WSL predictions: Gameweek 2
After an action-packed opening weekend for the WSL, attention has already shifted to the next round of matches.
Chelsea, Manchester United, Brighton and Tottenham started the season with wins, while Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Leicester City each needed a point. Meanwhile, West Ham, Everton, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace will be hoping to turn their fortunes around next time after losing their opening games.
The 2024/25 season is well underway with Sonia Bompastre’s Chelsea taking on newly promoted Palace on Friday night. Remaining fixtures include Manchester United’s visit to Everton and Brighton’s visit to Manchester City.
Here’s how Gameweek 2 at WSL for the 90min project will unfold.
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea
Chelsea had a nervy 1-0 win against Kingsmeadow last time out, but they weren’t exactly comfortable against Villa. Robert De Pauw’s side could have equalized with a late goal, and it was a far cry from the free-flowing, goal-scoring Blues we are used to.
That said, Palace comfortably won their opening game against Tottenham last week. A visit from Chelsea is probably not what Laura Kaminski’s side need to start their campaign.
It’s hard to see anything other than an easy win for Chelsea on Friday night. They will kick into gear at some point and playing against a newly promoted team is the ideal time for that.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 0-5 Chelsea
Manchester City vs Brighton
Gareth Taylor’s Manchester City avoided an opening-day defeat to Arsenal by securing a 2-2 draw at the Emirates last weekend. It was a reasonable result for the Cityzens, considering the Gunners won the two teams’ encounter last season.
However, Brighton’s heroics on the opening day against Everton earned them a 4-0 win, and it will be a tough test for City this weekend. Dario Vidosic’s side have completed some impressive summer transfer business, including the signings of Nikita Paris and Fran Kirby, and are understandably expected to be a surprise package this season.
The Seagulls have a big goal threat so it’s hard to imagine them not scoring, but City should do enough to pull this off and secure all three points.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Brighton
Everton vs Manchester United
To say it’s been a difficult start to the new season for Everton and Brian Sorensen would be an understatement. Not only did they lose their opening game 4-0 to Brighton, they also lost midfielder Aurora Galli to an ACL injury late in the game.
Already injured, with Melissa Lawrie, Emily Ramsey and Karen Holmgaard all sidelined, they face an even tougher task in their next game against Manchester United. The Red Devils struggled to find consistency at times last season, but they started the new campaign in impressive fashion with a 3-0 win over West Ham.
Given Everton’s early struggles, this should be a straight win for United.
Prediction: Everton 0-3 Manchester United
west ham vs liverpool
West Ham had a difficult afternoon last time out against United at Old Trafford, but this time they are at home to Liverpool. The Reds were the surprise package that ensured them a top-four finish last season, but manager Matt Beard will be disappointed with his side’s 1-1 draw with Leicester City in the opening game of the new season.
Manager Lehane Skinner needs his side to win, or at least pick up a point, in these games this term if the Hammers want to avoid becoming embroiled in a relegation battle as many predict. Probably. This is a tough but much-needed early test for the London club.
It will be a closely contested game on Sunday, but Liverpool should have enough to get over the line.
Prediction: West Ham 1-2 Liverpool
Leicester City vs Arsenal
Leicester City and Arsenal each ended in a draw in their opening matchday matches last weekend. It remains to be seen how competitive the Foxes will be this season under new manager Amandine, but picking up an early point against Arsenal may be too tall of an order.
Despite looking a little weak defensively at times against City, Jonas Aidevall has the attacking talent at his disposal and it’s hard not to see him demolish a team likely to finish in the bottom half of the table. It’s fleeting.
There is a chance that the Foxes will score, but Arsenal will take their chances and ultimately win comfortably.
Aston Villa vs Tottenham
Although it’s not a matchup between top teams, this is definitely the game of the weekend. It’s also the hardest thing to predict.
Despite losing 1-0 in the end, Villa caused Chelsea all sorts of problems on the opening day. Meanwhile, Tottenham won their opening game against Palace.
This season De Pauw and Robert Villahamn will support the team as they challenge for a top-five spot, but there is little to separate the pair in the early stages and the points will be shared at Villa Park this weekend. It will be.