The Weekend Watchlist
Weekends in both the Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Super League 2 are rarely decided by reputation alone. More often, they turn on individual influence and moments of pure quality — a player’s ability to alter the rhythm of a game.
Across the BWSL and BWSL2, here are five players set to stand out for their clubs this weekend, from top-of-the-table clashes to sides looking to build momentum.
The Game-Changer — Kerolin, Manchester City
After scoring a hat-trick in last weekend’s emphatic victory over Chelsea, Kerolin has become a central figure in the way Manchester City turn controlled possession into game-decisive moments. Operating across City’s flanks and in advanced central areas, the Brazilian offers a consistent outlet in transition, particularly when opponents commit numbers into midfield, averaging 1.08 expected goals per game.
With City visiting an in-form Arsenal side at the Emirates Stadium, Kerolin will look to isolate fullbacks and attack space with her pace, a quality that makes her one of the most effective gamebreakers in the league. When City are able to draw teams out of a compact shape, she is often the first to capitalise.
If City can establish control in central areas, Kerolin’s influence in wide positions is likely to prove decisive.
The Breakout — Ornella Vignola, Everton
With the Toffees heading to the capital to face London City Lionesses, one of the standout emerging players in the BWSL this season has been Ornella Vignola. The 21-year-old has registered five goals and assists so far, while her defensive contribution has also been notable, winning 48% of her duels and averaging 4.86 recoveries per game.
Vignola’s emergence has added a new dimension to Everton’s attacking play. Still early in her adaptation to the league, she has shown a willingness to take responsibility in advanced areas and engage defenders directly. What stands out most is her decision-making in the final third — knowing when to drive at her marker and when to recycle possession to maintain attacking pressure.
This weekend presents another opportunity for Vignola to demonstrate her growing tactical understanding at this level.
The Captain — Kim Little, Arsenal
As the newly crowned world champions host Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium, Kim Little’s influence extends well beyond individual moments in possession. She remains central to how Arsenal control matches, particularly in midfield phases where tempo and decision-making dictate the flow of the contest.
Her positional intelligence and composure under pressure provide Arsenal with a reliable reference point in central areas, allowing them to recycle possession, progress play with purpose and maintain control during high-intensity periods. That influence is reflected in her numbers, completing 91.8% of her passes and 81.2% of her dribbles while dictating play from midfield.
Against elite opposition, Little’s leadership and ability to manage key moments could prove pivotal.
The Dark Horse — Jessie Gale, Bristol City
With third facing fourth in the BWSL2 as Bristol City travel to Crystal Palace, this is where the Championship often provides its sharpest edge. Jessie Gale has been one of the most efficient attacking players in the league this season, combining consistent output with an understated influence on Bristol City’s attacking structure.
With six goals and one assist to her name, her goals-per-90 rate of 0.73 is the best in the division, underlining just how decisive her contributions have been. Operating intelligently between defensive lines, Gale’s movement and finishing ability allow Bristol City to maximise limited opportunities, particularly in matches where chances are at a premium.
In a league defined by fine margins, her efficiency in front of goal could once again prove decisive this weekend.
The Match-Winner — Lucy Watson, Durham
With second-placed Birmingham City traveling to Durham, Lucy Watson is one to watch from the bench. Her impact has so far come from the margins, but it has been decisive nonetheless.
Introduced as a substitute against Portsmouth, Watson showed composure well beyond her years to confidently convert a 94th-minute penalty, securing all three points in a tightly contested encounter. While she is still awaiting her first start in the Championship, she has consistently altered the direction of games as a substitute, offering Durham a reliable option in high-pressure moments late on.
In matches where opportunities are limited and outcomes hinge on single actions, Watson has already shown she is capable of delivering when it matters most.