Five Players to watch this Barclays WSL & WSL2 Weekend

The Barclays Women’s Super League returns this weekend, and with another crucial round of fixtures ahead, these are the five players to watch across the BWSL and BWSL2. From in-form attackers to influential defensive leaders, each could play a decisive role in shaping results and defining the biggest moments.

Here are five players to watch this weekend:

1. The Aerial Authority, Grace Fisk- Liverpool

Grace Fisk’s dominance in the air continues to highlight her importance to Liverpool’s defensive structure in the Barclays Women’s Super League. A commanding presence at the heart of the backline, Fisk has consistently provided stability, particularly in high-pressure moments where defensive organisation is key.

Her aerial ability has been a standout feature of her performances this season, winning 69.4% of her aerial duels and asserting control in both defensive and attacking set-piece situations.

Combined with an 83.5% pass completion rate, Fisk not only disrupts opposition attacks but also plays a crucial role in maintaining possession and building from the back. Her defensive contributions are further emphasised by her 89 clearances, underlining her reliability when Liverpool are forced to absorb pressure.

As Liverpool prepare for the upcoming Merseyside derby against Everton, Fisk’s presence will be vital. In a fixture often defined by intensity and physical battles, her aerial strength and composure could prove decisive in dealing with crosses, set-pieces, and direct play, making her a key figure in Liverpool’s hopes of securing a result.

2. The Final Third Firepower, Melvine Malard, Manchester United

Melvine Malard’s influence in the final third continues to grow as she becomes an increasingly important figure in Manchester United’s attacking play in the BWSL. Combining intelligent movement with sharp decision-making, Malard has developed into a consistent threat capable of impacting matches in decisive moments.

Her return of six goals and three assists in the league reflects her ability to both finish chances and create opportunities for teammates. That attacking output is further supported by her underlying numbers, with 7.74 expected goals highlighting her tendency to find dangerous positions inside the penalty area. In addition, Malard has created 26 chances in the league, underlining her all-round contribution in the final third.

She arrives into the Manchester derby against Manchester City in strong form, having scored the winning goal in United’s last outing against Everton. With the opportunity to move within five points of the league leaders with a victory, the stakes are high, and Malard’s cutting edge could prove crucial. In a game where fine margins often decide the outcome, her ability to deliver in key moments makes her one of United’s most important attacking assets.

3. The Modern Defender, Brighton, Manuela Vanegas

Manuela Vanegas continues to embody the qualities of the modern defender, playing a key role in Brighton’s approach in the Barclays Women’s Super League. Combining defensive solidity with the ability to contribute higher up the pitch, Vanegas offers a well-rounded presence on the flank.

Her effectiveness in duels has been a standout aspect of her game this season, winning 74.4% of her contests and consistently disrupting opposition play. Beyond her defensive responsibilities, Vanegas has also shown her intent to impact the game further forward, winning possession in the final third on three occasions and demonstrating her willingness to press aggressively. She has also added a goal to her name, underlining her ability to contribute in attacking moments.

As Brighton prepare to face Liverpool, Vanegas’ versatility will be crucial. Her capacity to balance defensive discipline with forward intent makes her an important asset in both nullifying Liverpool’s attacking threats and supporting Brighton’s play in transition. In what promises to be a competitive encounter, her all-action style could prove key on both sides of the pitch.

4. The Direct Threat, Abbie Larkin, Crystal Palace

Abbie Larkin’s direct style of play has made her one of Crystal Palace’s most dangerous attacking outlets in the Barclays Women’s Super League 2. With a willingness to run at defenders and drive her team forward, Larkin consistently provides a cutting edge in transition and attacking phases.

Her return of seven goals so far this season highlights her ability to convert chances, while 17 shots on target underlines her accuracy and intent in front of goal. Larkin’s influence, however, extends beyond her attacking output. Her work rate off the ball has been equally impressive, contributing 20 tackles, eight interceptions, and 52 recoveries, demonstrating a commitment to both sides of the game.

As Palace prepare for their trip to face Newcastle, Larkin’s directness could prove crucial. In away fixtures where control can be difficult to establish, her ability to carry the ball, apply pressure, and create moments of attacking quality offers Palace a vital outlet. Her all-action performances make her a key figure in both breaking forward and supporting defensively when needed.

5. The Focal Point, Meg Hornby, Portsmouth

Meg Hornby has established herself as the focal point of Portsmouth’s attack in the Barclays Women’s Super League 2, providing both a consistent goal threat and a physical presence at the top end of the pitch. As Pompey’s leading scorer with six goals and one assist, Hornby’s influence has been central to their attacking output throughout the campaign.

Her ability to occupy defenders and operate effectively inside the penalty area is reflected in her 56 touches in the opposition box, highlighting her role as the primary target in attacking phases. Whether holding up play or finishing chances, Hornby’s presence gives Portsmouth a reliable outlet going forward. Beyond her attacking contributions, she has also shown a willingness to support defensively, registering 15 clearances and eight interceptions, demonstrating her commitment to the team’s overall performance.

As Portsmouth prepare to face Sheffield United in a crucial clash at the bottom of the table, Hornby’s role will be more important than ever. In a match where fine margins could define the outcome, her ability to lead the line, bring others into play, and deliver in key moments may prove decisive in Pompey’s push for vital points.