The Weekend Watchlist
The Finisher- Khadija Shaw, Manchester City
Khadija Shaw’s impact in front of goal continues to underline her importance to Manchester City’s attacking output in the Barclays Women’s Super League. When City last faced Aston Villa Women earlier this season, Shaw delivered one of the most dominant individual performances of the campaign, scoring four goals in the reverse fixture and demonstrating the clinical edge that has defined her season.
Operating at the focal point of City’s attack, Shaw combines physical presence with intelligent movement inside the penalty area. Her ability to occupy central defenders and create separation in decisive moments consistently places her in high-value scoring positions, a quality reflected in her return of 15 goals and four assists so far in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
As City prepare to face Villa again this weekend, Shaw’s efficiency in front of goal could once again prove pivotal. In matches where chances are often limited, her composure and finishing ability remain one of City’s most reliable routes to breaking down opposition defences.
The Connector- Ceri Holland, Liverpool
Ceri Holland has become an increasingly important link in Liverpool Women’s attacking structure this season in the Barclays Women’s Super League. Operating between midfield and the forward line, Holland provides the connective presence that allows Liverpool to transition effectively from build-up play into attacking phases.
Her influence is reflected in the numbers, with three assists and 20 chances created so far in the Barclays Women’s Super League campaign. Holland’s willingness to carry the ball forward and combine with teammates in advanced areas has added an extra dimension to Liverpool’s attacking play, often helping unlock compact defensive shapes.
As Liverpool prepare to face Leicester City Women this weekend, Holland’s ability to link play and create opportunities could prove particularly important. In tightly contested matches, players who can connect phases of play and maintain attacking momentum often make the difference, and Holland’s role as a connector within Liverpool’s system continues to grow in importance.
The Overlap- Emily Fox, Arsenal
Emily Fox’s influence on the right flank has become an important feature of Arsenal Women’s structure this season in the Barclays Women’s Super League. Known for her pace and timing when advancing from full-back, Fox provides consistent width in attacking phases while also maintaining a strong defensive presence.
Her forward runs regularly create overloads in wide areas, allowing Arsenal to stretch defensive lines and progress the ball into dangerous positions. That attacking contribution is reflected in her two assists so far this Barclays Women’s Super League campaign, while her defensive work remains equally significant, with 76 recoveries highlighting her ability to regain possession and sustain Arsenal’s pressure.
As Arsenal prepare to face London City Lionesses, Fox’s ability to balance defensive responsibility with attacking intent could prove particularly valuable. In matches where control of wide areas is key, her overlapping runs and recovery work continue to play a vital role in Arsenal’s overall approach.
The Clinical Edge- Ellie Brazil, Southampton
Ellie Brazil continues to provide a decisive attacking presence for Southampton Women, with her efficiency in front of goal becoming increasingly valuable as the season progresses. Brazil once again demonstrated that cutting edge in Southampton’s most recent outing, finding the net to maintain her strong run of attacking contributions.
Her tally now stands at six goals and two assists this campaign, underlining her importance within Southampton’s forward line. Brazil’s movement in and around the penalty area, combined with her composure in front of goal, allows her to capitalise on key moments when opportunities arise.
With Southampton now preparing to face second-placed Birmingham City Women, her finishing ability could prove particularly significant. Against high-level opposition where chances may be limited, players capable of delivering in decisive moments often make the difference, and Brazil’s clinical edge offers Southampton a reliable attacking outlet.
The Enforcer- Natasha Fenton, Sunderland
Natasha Fenton continues to play a crucial role at the base of midfield for Sunderland Women, providing the defensive stability that allows the side to build their play with confidence. Operating as a holding midfielder, Fenton’s primary influence comes through her ability to break up opposition attacks and protect the defensive line.
Her positional awareness and physical presence make her a consistent disruptor in central areas, often stepping in to intercept passes and regain possession during key moments of the match. Beyond her defensive work, Fenton also plays an important role in Sunderland’s build-up phases, helping transition play from defence into midfield.
As Sunderland prepare to face Nottingham Forest Women, Fenton’s ability to control the midfield battle could prove particularly significant. In tightly contested fixtures, the presence of a disciplined defensive midfielder capable of breaking up play and maintaining structure often provides the platform for the rest of the team to perform.
