With another weekend of Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Super League 2 action approaching, there are several players worth keeping an eye on for Fantasy Football managers.
From Manchester City's prolific goalscorer Khadija Shaw to Tottenham Hotspur's attacking full-back Julie Blakstad, here are five players who could make an impact in the upcoming fixtures.
The Midfield Engine — Georgia Stanway, Arsenal
Georgia Stanway has been a consistent presence in Arsenal's midfield, offering a combination of attacking quality and defensive work rate that makes her an appealing Fantasy pick.
The midfielder has registered one goal and one assist so far, alongside five shots on target. Her ability to contribute in possession is reflected in her 89% passing accuracy, while she has also completed 62.2% of her long balls and 45.5% of her crosses.
Stanway's influence extends beyond her attacking contributions. She has won 33 duels, made 46 recoveries and recorded 10 tackles, highlighting the work she puts in across the pitch.
Arsenal face Liverpool away this weekend, and Stanway's all-round contribution could prove important as they look to take points on the road.
Fantasy Points (last three games): 18 points
The Overlapping Threat — Julie Blakstad, Tottenham Hotspur
Julie Blakstad has offered plenty of attacking quality from left-back for Tottenham Hotspur, combining creativity and forward movement with an impressive defensive contribution.
The defender has recorded one goal and three assists, while her underlying attacking numbers suggest there could be more to come. Blakstad has registered 16 shots, an expected goals (xG) figure of 1.98 and expected assists (xA) of 2.16, showing how frequently she gets involved in dangerous attacking situations.
Her delivery has also been a valuable asset, completing 42.9% of her crosses and 79.9% of her passes. She has also won 68.2% of her aerial duels, alongside 17 tackles, 14 interceptions and 20 clearances.
With Tottenham set to face Brighton, Blakstad's ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch makes her an interesting option this weekend.
Fantasy Points (last three games): 19 points
The Goal Machine — Khadija Shaw, Manchester City
Khadija Shaw continues to be one of the most dangerous attacking players in the BWSL, with her goalscoring numbers making her a standout Fantasy option.
The Manchester City forward has already scored nine goals and provided one assist, recording an xG of 9.34 from 46 shots, 19 of which have been on target. Her ability to consistently find shooting opportunities makes her a major threat to opposition defences.
Shaw has also contributed outside the penalty area, completing eight successful dribbles and winning 48.4% of her duels. She has won 63.9% of her aerial duels and recorded nine clearances, showing that her contribution is not limited to the attacking third.
One particularly impressive statistic is her seven occasions of winning possession in the final third, highlighting her ability to press and help Manchester City regain the ball in dangerous areas.
With West Ham United next on the schedule, Shaw will be looking to add to her already impressive goal tally.
Fantasy Points (last three games): 30 points
BWSL2 ones to watch
The Clinical Finisher — Elise Hughes, Sunderland
Elise Hughes has made an impressive start to the campaign for Sunderland, establishing herself as a consistent goalscoring threat in the BWSL2.
The forward has scored five goals in six starts, with 21 shots and 10 on target demonstrating her willingness to test opposition goalkeepers. Her presence inside the penalty area has also been clear, recording 36 touches in the opposition box.
Hughes offers more than just a goalscoring threat, however. She has created six chances, completed 73.1% of her passes and won 61.1% of her aerial duels, giving Sunderland an effective attacking outlet.
She has also contributed defensively, making six clearances and seven recoveries.
With Durham Women next, Hughes will be hoping to continue her strong form in front of goal and add to her tally.
Fantasy Points (last three games): 23 points
The Two-Way Threat — Ellie Brazil, Southampton
Ellie Brazil has been an influential figure for Southampton, contributing in both attacking and defensive areas and offering plenty of versatility.
The forward has registered one goal and three assists, alongside creating two big chances for her teammates. Her ability to bring others into the game is an important part of her contribution, while she has also completed eight long balls.
Brazil has won 54.9% of her duels and 60% of her aerial battles, demonstrating her willingness to compete physically. Her defensive numbers are particularly impressive, with 21 tackles, 23 recoveries and six clearances.
Although her passing accuracy currently stands at 58.3%, her contribution goes beyond possession, with her work rate and ability to influence different phases of play making her one to watch.
Southampton face Sheffield United this weekend, giving Brazil another opportunity to build on her attacking contributions while continuing to make an impact defensively.
Fantasy Points (last three games): 15 points
Players to watch this weekend
With Shaw leading the way on recent Fantasy returns, Hughes also arrives in strong form, while Stanway, Blakstad and Brazil offer different routes to valuable points. Whether managers are looking for goals, assists or players who contribute across multiple areas of the pitch, this weekend's fixtures provide plenty of options across both divisions.
