From Fran Kirby’s creative influence to Océane Hurtré’s attacking threat, here are five players to keep an eye on across the BWSL and BWSL2 this weekend.
Another weekend of action is approaching across the Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Super League 2, with plenty of players already making their mark in the early stages of the season.
With goals, assists and impressive individual performances beginning to shape the campaign, there are several players who could make the difference in the next round of fixtures.
Here are five names to keep on your watchlist this weekend.
The Creative Catalyst — Fran Kirby, Brighton & Hove Albion
Fran Kirby could be an important player for Brighton & Hove Albion as they look to continue their recent attacking form.
Brighton have scored 11 goals across their last five matches, and Kirby's creativity could prove particularly important when they travel to face London City Lionesses.
The midfielder has already created 12 chances this season, while completing 88.3% of her passes.
Her ability to deliver from wide areas is another part of her game to watch, with Kirby recording a 42.9% successful cross rate so far.
While she has registered just 1 assist this season, her underlying creative numbers suggest there could be more attacking returns to come.
Kirby has also accumulated 18 Fantasy points so far, making her an interesting option to keep an eye on as Brighton's attacking momentum continues.
Next fixture: London City Lionesses away.
The All-Action Midfielder — Julia Zigiotti Olme, Manchester United
Julia Zigiotti Olme has already shown that her influence for Manchester United goes far beyond what she can contribute in the final third.
The midfielder scored her first goal of the season against Arsenal last weekend, helping United secure a 1-1 draw.
But it is her all-round contribution that really stands out.
Zigiotti Olme has won 18 duels so far this season, while also recording 7 tackles, 5 interceptions, 15 recoveries and 10 clearances.
Compared with other midfielders in the league, she has won an impressive 95% of her aerial duels and ranks at 91% for defensive contributions.
That combination of attacking and defensive work makes her a valuable presence in the middle of the pitch, particularly when United are required to defend without the ball.
She currently has 10 Fantasy points, and with West Ham United next, another all-round performance could see her add to that total.
Next fixture: West Ham United.
The Attacking Threat — Océane Hurtr**é, Birmingham City**
Océane Hurtré has already established herself as one of Birmingham City's most dangerous attacking players this season.
The forward has contributed 2 goals and 1 assist, while recording an xG of 1.16.
Her willingness to take on defenders has also been evident, with Hurtré completing 75% of her dribbles so far.
But she is not simply an attacking player who waits for opportunities in the final third.
Hurtré has already made 11 tackles, 5 interceptions and 15 recoveries, demonstrating the defensive work she can bring to Birmingham's performances.
She has also won 3 aerial duels and taken 8 shots.
Those numbers have helped Hurtré accumulate 24 Fantasy points, making her one of the players to watch closely as Birmingham continue their campaign.
However, she faces a difficult test next when Birmingham take on Crystal Palace.
Next fixture: Crystal Palace.
The Defensive Wall — Kenzie Weir, Ipswich Town
Kenzie Weir has been an important defensive presence for Ipswich Town in BWSL2, with her numbers highlighting just how much work she is doing at the back.
Weir has already made 20 clearances this season, alongside 6 interceptions.
She has also helped Ipswich keep 2 clean sheets, demonstrating her contribution to a defence that has managed to keep opponents out on multiple occasions.
While she has not yet found the back of the net, Weir has registered 3 shots on target, suggesting she could potentially provide a threat from attacking situations too.
Her passing range has also been useful, with 14 accurate long-ball passes recorded so far, while she has won 3 fouls.
Weir currently sits on 16 Fantasy points and will be hoping to add to that tally when Ipswich face Wolves.
Next fixture: Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The All-Rounder — Beth Hepple, Durham Women
Beth Hepple completes our BWSL2 watchlist after making an impressive all-round contribution for Durham Women.
Hepple has already scored one goal this season, while completing 75.2% of her passes.
Her distribution has been another key part of her game, with the Durham player recording 6 accurate long balls and a 57.1% successful cross rate.
She has also made an impact defensively, registering 4 interceptions, 1 blocked shot, 8 recoveries and 3 clearances.
That ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch has helped Hepple collect 14 Fantasy points so far.
Durham now face Sheffield United, providing Hepple with another opportunity to influence the game and add to her early-season numbers.
Next fixture: Sheffield United.
Who will make the difference?
With the season still in its early stages, there is plenty of time for players to establish themselves as key figures for their respective sides.
But Fran Kirby, Julia Zigiotti Olme, Océane Hurtré, Kenzie Weir and Beth Hepple have all produced enough early-season numbers to make them worth watching this weekend.
From creativity and goalscoring to defensive solidity and all-round contributions, each player brings something different to their team, and could play an important role in the next round of fixtures.
