Barclays WSL2 Matchweek 19 Preview
Matchday 19 arrives with the BWSL2 finely balanced with four game weeks remaining this season. At one end of the table, teams are fighting to keep their seasons alive, at the other, promotion hopefuls are trying to turn pressure into momentum before the run-in begins to close in.
This is the sort of weekend that can redraw the whole landscape. There are derby-day stakes at the Stadium of Light, promotion pressure at Ashton Gate and Selhurst Park, and survival battles where every tackle, every chance and every set piece could alter the course of a season. Some sides are chasing the summit, others are clinging on, and by Sunday evening the table could feel very different from the one that opens the round. Below, we take a look at all of the weekend’s action.
Ipswich Town vs Southampton
Saturday 28th March, Portman Road, 12:30pm
Ipswich Town host Southampton at Portman Road on Saturday, kicking off the weekend’s action in a meeting that carries real importance at both ends of the table, with the Tractor Girls desperate to put some distance between themselves and bottom-side Portsmouth, while the Saints look to keep their faint promotion hopes alive.
For David Wright’s side, the challenge is to respond quickly after their unbeaten run under the caretaker boss came to an end last time out, while Simon Parker’s Southampton arrive knowing three points would at least keep them within touching distance of the pack above.
Town’s recent setback came in the form of a 2-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest last Sunday, a result that interrupted a run which had given renewed hope in their survival battle. The Tractor Girls now sit 11th in the BWSL2 table, level on points with bottom side Portsmouth, but with a marginally better goal difference and two games in hand on Pompey. That leaves them in a precarious but workable position: the picture is tight enough that those extra fixtures could prove decisive, but only if they begin consistently turning competitive performances into results.
Southampton, meanwhile, remain sixth and firmly in the midtable cluster, though they will not have completely let go of the promotion race just yet. They are seven points behind Crystal Palace in the promotion play-off place with four games remaining, which makes the task difficult, but not impossible. More immediately, they will want to recover from last weekend’s disappointing goalless draw with Durham, a scrappy contest in which neither side found much fluency. Parker’s side have now failed to score in their last two league matches, so a sharper edge in the final third will be high on the agenda.
The reverse fixture in September was a reminder of the quality Southampton can produce when they get into rhythm. That was Ipswich’s first ever game in the second tier and it ended in a 4-0 win for the Saints at St Mary’s, with Atlanta Primus, Amy Goddard and Mary Bashford all on target in a dominant opening-day display. Ipswich will need a far more resilient showing this time around if they are to avoid a repeat.
There is no shortage of attacking quality on either side. Southampton will look to Ellie Brazil, their top scorer with six league goals, while Primus remains a key figure after her influence in the reverse fixture. Jess Simpson has also been important from full-back, contributing seven league goal involvements and offering an extra threat from deeper areas. For Ipswich, Sophie Peskett continues to be their main spark, with seven goal contributions in the league, while Rianna Dean and Ava Baker also offer threat in the forward line.
The numbers underline the contrast between the sides. Southampton average 1.78 goals per game, compared with Ipswich’s 0.94, while defensively the Saints are also stronger, conceding 1.17 per match to Town’s 2.18. Ipswich’s last league clean sheet came back in September, in a 0-0 draw with Charlton Athletic, which highlights the scale of the task ahead if they are to contain one of the more efficient attacking sides in the division.
There is also a personal angle to the fixture, with Paige Peake and Rianna Dean both returning to St Mary’s for the first time after leaving Southampton last summer. That adds an extra layer to a game that already feels significant for very different reasons: Ipswich need points to climb clear of danger, while Southampton need a response to keep any outside promotion hopes alive.
Sheffield United vs Portsmouth
Saturday 28th March, Bramall Lane, 12:30pm
Sheffield United and Portsmouth meet at Bramall Lane in a relegation six-pointer in the truest sense, with both sides running out of opportunities to seize control of their survival fate. With just a point separating the pair, the stakes are obvious: Sheffield United know victory would give them breathing space and two games in hand to make use of, while Portsmouth will see this as one of their clearest chances to haul themselves off the bottom spot.
The Blades head into the game off the back of a narrow defeat to promotion-chasing Birmingham City, and although the result extended their difficult run, there were positives to take from a performance in which Sophie O’Rourke had put them ahead. Stephen Healy’s side have spent much of the campaign in a fierce scrap at the foot of the table, and the equation is simple now: they are one point above Portsmouth, have a significantly better goal difference and still have two games in hand. Those matches in hand could become crucial, but only if United can begin turning tight contests into points.
Portsmouth, meanwhile, remain rock bottom, although their recent run has at least shown signs of life. Jay Sadler’s side were beaten narrowly by Sunderland last time out, but that followed a spirited draw with promotion contenders Bristol City and a shock win over league leaders Charlton Athletic that ended the Addicks’ unbeaten start to the season. Those results showed exactly what Pompey are capable of when they hit their level, and if that sharper, more resilient version of the team turns up again, they will fancy their chances of making life uncomfortable for the Blades.
History adds another layer to the contest. Sheffield United are still waiting for their first BWSL2 win over Portsmouth, with the Blues having won two of the three meetings between the sides and the other ending level. The reverse fixture in September was settled early, as Meg Hornby’s looping free-kick proved enough to give Portsmouth a 1-0 win.
Hornby, who leads the club’s scoring with six league goals this season, is expected to once again be a key figure, while Amy Andrews and Abbie Lafayette remain United’s main threats at the other end. Charlie Devlin could also return from suspension, which would be a boost for the Blades after her red card against Sunderland earlier this month.
The numbers suggest a game with little margin for error. Sheffield United have managed just one clean sheet all season, but they are marginally stronger defensively than Portsmouth, conceding 1.59 per game compared with Pompey’s 2.32. At the other end, though, Portsmouth have offered slightly more, averaging 1.11 goals per match to United’s 0.88, the worst record in the league, even if they still rank near the bottom for big chances created and remain far from free-flowing in attack.
There are also a couple of familiar faces making a return to Bramall Lane. Defender Annie Wilding spent the 2024/25 season there, while experienced midfielder Sophie Barker also returns to face the Blades after representing them in three separate spells earlier in her career.
With so little separating the sides, this has the feel of a game that could significantly shape the relegation battle, not just in the standings but in momentum and belief as the run-in intensifies. For Sheffield United, it is about making home advantage count. For Portsmouth, it is about turning recent promise into something more permanent.
Bristol City vs Birmingham City
Sunday 29th March, Ashton Gate Stadium, 2:00pm
A meeting between two promotion-chasing sides adds extra weight to this clash at Ashton Gate, with both Bristol City and Birmingham City knowing the result could have a significant impact on the race for the top three.
The Robins return to Ashton Gate in a buoyant mood after responding to a disappointing draw with bottom side Portsmouth by beating league leaders Charlton Athletic 2-1 last weekend. That result not only handed Charlton only their second league defeat of the season, but also underlined Bristol City’s own promotion credentials at a crucial stage of the season.
Charlotte Healy’s side currently sit fifth in the BWSL2 table, just two points outside the third-place promotion play-off spot and five behind Birmingham City, so there is plenty on the line as they look to strengthen their push towards the top three. Depending on results elsewhere, a victory could lift the Robins into the promotion play-off spot, while also tightening the gap on the automatic promotion places. With the table so compressed, every point feels significant, and Bristol City will know this is the kind of fixture that could shape their season.
Birmingham City arrive at Ashton Gate with their own ambitions intact. Amy Merricks’ side have won two of their three league matches in March and bounced back from midweek disappointment against Newcastle United with a strong second-half comeback to beat Sheffield United 2-1 last weekend. Lily Crosthwaite and substitute Wilma Leidhammar turned the game around for the Blues, who remain firmly in the title race. Birmingham sit second in the table, six points behind Charlton but with a game in hand, and a win here would keep the pressure on the leaders.
The Blues have enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture historically, winning seven of the 13 meetings between the sides, with Bristol City winning three and the remaining three ending level. The reverse league fixture on the opening day of the season produced a convincing 5-1 Birmingham win, while the sides also shared a 2-2 draw in the Subway League Cup group stages at the end of September. Bristol City will therefore need a major improvement if they are to turn the tables this time.
There is no shortage of attacking quality on either side. Crosthwaite arrives in good form as she continues to be a key threat for the Blues, with seven league goals and six assists, meaning she has 13 goal contributions in total this season, two more than any other player in the league. Veatriki Sarri has matched her for goals and adds further attacking threat.
For Healy’s side, Lexi Lloyd-Smith and Rio Hardy are also among the league’s leading scorers, giving the Robins a number of routes to goal. Vice-captain Emily Syme has provided five league assists, while Jessie Gale, on loan from Arsenal, has chipped in with seven BWSL2 goals this season, underlining Bristol City’s depth in the final third.
Statistically, the Blues have been one of the strongest sides in the division. They average 2.3 goals per game, the best record in the league, and have also been among the most efficient teams defensively, conceding just 1.2 goals per game on average. Their control of matches is reflected in their possession figures too, with the second-highest average in the league at 58.5 per cent. They have also kept five clean sheets and created the most big chances in the division, showing both efficiency and attacking intent.
Bristol City are not far behind in many of those attacking metrics. They average 2.2 goals per game, second only to Birmingham, and have created 35 big chances, again ranking second in the league. Defensively, though, they have been slightly less secure, conceding 1.5 goals per match and sitting sixth in the division for that metric. They have still kept five clean sheets, however, which suggests they are capable of matching Birmingham if they can stay organised at the back.
With so much attacking talent on display, this has the feel of a game that could deliver goals. Much may depend on which defence holds its nerve for longer. Bristol City’s confidence will be high after their win over Charlton, but Birmingham City’s depth, momentum and league position make them formidable visitors.
One added subplot to watch is the return of Bristol City defender Gemma Lawley, who will face the club she represented 88 times across six years. It adds an extra layer of intrigue to a match that already carries real weight in the promotion race.
Crystal Palace vs Charlton Athletic
Sunday 29th March, Selhurst Park, 2:00pm
Crystal Palace return to Selhurst Park for a huge clash against table toppers Charlton Athletic on Sunday, having won three of their last four league games, a run that has kept them firmly in the heart of the promotion race.
Jo Potter’s side were left frustrated by a 0-0 draw with fellow promotion challengers Newcastle United last weekend, as they dominated possession and created the better chances without finding a breakthrough. That lack of cutting edge ultimately cost them two points, and it is something they will need to address against the Addicks.
Palace head into the fixture sitting third in the BWSL2 table, currently occupying the promotion play-off place. They are three points behind second-placed Birmingham City, who hold an automatic promotion spot, and just one point ahead of fourth-placed Newcastle with the same number of games played. With the margins so fine, this is exactly the kind of game that could have a major impact on how the promotion race unfolds.
Charlton arrive in a slightly more uncertain run of form. Karen Hills’ side have won just one of their last four league games and suffered only their second defeat of the campaign last time out, losing 2-1 away to Bristol City. They fell two goals behind before second-half substitutes helped spark a response, with Lucy Fitzgerald bringing down a long ball and combining with Mary McAteer, whose pass set up Gillian Kenney to reduce the deficit. The Addicks pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages but were unable to find it. Despite that setback, they remain top of the table, although their lead has been cut to six points, with Birmingham still holding a game in hand.
The head-to-head record between the two sides slightly favours Charlton, who have won two of the three previous meetings. The reverse fixture earlier in the season was a tight encounter that the Addicks edged 1-0, with Emma Bissell scoring the decisive goal. Palace saw plenty of the ball that day but were unable to turn possession into goals, while Charlton proved more clinical, a pattern that could again prove decisive.
Palace have multiple threats going forward, with Ashleigh Weerden particularly influential from wide areas, contributing 11 goals and assists combined this season, one of the league’s highest tallies. Kirsty Howat has added nine goal contributions of her own, while Abbie Larkin remains one of the league’s most reliable finishers with seven goals. Molly-Mae Sharpe has also impressed in wide positions, giving Palace both pace and creativity in their attacking play.
Charlton’s strengths lie more in their structure and efficiency. Jodie Hutton and Lucy Fitzgerald, both with five league goals, are key attacking outlets, while Kenney’s goal last time out highlighted her ability to make an impact in decisive moments.
Interestingly, for a side at the top, Charlton average just 1.4 goals per game, ranking sixth in the league, but they more than compensate with their defensive solidity. They boast the best defensive record in the division, conceding just 0.7 goals per match, and have kept eight clean sheets, three more than any other side. Their lower possession average of 40.7 per cent reflects a side comfortable without the ball, relying on organisation and effectiveness in transition.
The Eagles, by contrast, often operate with a back three and tend to take a more proactive approach. They average 1.8 goals per game, the third-best return in the league, but defensively rank fifth, conceding 1.2 goals per match. Their five clean sheets suggest they are capable of defensive discipline, but they may need to be at their very best to break down a Charlton side that has proven so difficult to breach.
With Palace’s attacking intent set against Charlton’s defensive resilience, this shapes up as a fascinating tactical contest. The Eagles will look to control the game and create chances, while Hills’ side will aim to stay compact and capitalise on key moments. With promotion and even the title on the line, and little separating the sides in terms of quality, the outcome may ultimately come down to which team is more clinical in front of goal.
Nottingham Forest vs Durham
Sunday 29th March, The City Ground, 2:00pm
A meeting between two sides with different priorities brings an interesting dynamic to the City Ground, as Nottingham Forest look to build momentum and climb the table while Durham fight to move clear of the relegation battle.
Forest will be aiming to build on last weekend’s assured 2-0 home win over Ipswich Town as they return to home turf. That victory was powered by a dominant performance from Joy Omewa, whose persistence finally paid off when she opened the scoring in the 28th minute, before Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah doubled Forest’s lead almost immediately after half-time. The result moved the Reds within eight points of the promotion play-off places and underlined the progress Carly Davies’ side are making in their first season in the BWSL2.
Currently sitting eighth in the league table, level on points with Sunderland and comfortably clear of the bottom two, Forest have the chance to keep closing the gap on the sides above them. Their approach has been built around control and possession, with no team in the league averaging more of the ball than their 60.7 per cent. They also rank second for shots on target per game with 5.2, suggesting they are capable of turning that dominance into attacking pressure, even if their return of 1.3 goals per match could still improve.
Boye-Hlorkah remains a key figure in the final third, with her goal against Ipswich Town last weekend taking her to seven for the season, while Cerys Brown, on loan from London City Lionesses. continues to provide quality in wide areas since her January arrival. Chloe Mustaki has also offered defensive consistency alongside contributing two assists, giving Forest a rounded threat across the pitch.
Durham, meanwhile, arrive in need of momentum after a difficult spell. Neil Redfearn’s side picked up a point last weekend with a 0-0 draw against Southampton at Maiden Castle, his first since taking interim charge, but they are now winless in five league games. That run has left the Wildcats ninth in the table, just one point above bottom side Portsmouth, and although their goal difference offers some protection, they remain firmly in the relegation scrap.
The reverse fixture earlier in the season may offer Durham some encouragement. Despite having far less possession, they produced a clinical display to win 3-0, with goals from Mollie Lambert, Beth Hepple and Mariana Speckmaier. Replicating that efficiency could be key again here.
Hepple continues to be Durham’s standout performer, leading the side with seven league goals and nine goal contributions overall. Her quality from set pieces, both in delivery and finishing, makes her a constant threat, while Lambert has added further attacking support with five goal contributions.
However, Durham’s overall numbers highlight the challenges they face. They rank ninth in the league for both goals scored and goals conceded per game, and while their average possession of 50.4 per cent suggests they are not routinely overrun, they have struggled to convert spells on the ball into clear chances. Their 3.1 shots on target per match is among the lowest in the division.
With Forest likely to dominate possession once again, the pattern of the game feels clear. The hosts will look to control proceedings and create sustained pressure, while Durham may aim to stay organised and strike on the counter. With one side chasing progress and the other battling for survival, the stakes add extra weight to what could be a defining encounter.
Sunderland vs Newcastle United
Sunday 29th March, Stadium of Light, 2:00pm
The Tyne-Wear derby always carries extra edge, and this weekend’s meeting at the Stadium of Light promises to be no different as Sunderland and Newcastle renew hostilities in front of a passionate crowd. With the men’s sides having met in a fiery clash at St James’ Park last weekend, attention now turns to the women’s teams, with local pride and valuable points both very much on the line.
Sunderland come into the game in mixed form, but they did have a timely lift last weekend with a 1-0 win away at bottom side Portsmouth. Eleanor Dale struck inside the opening five minutes and her second goal in as many matches proved enough to settle the contest, as the Black Cats controlled large periods and created several clear openings. That result means they have now won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five league games. They sit seventh in the BWSL2 table, level on points with eighth-placed Sunderland and eight points behind Newcastle, so there is still plenty to play for in the final stretch of the season.
Newcastle, meanwhile, arrive in stronger overall form. Tanya Oxtoby’s side are unbeaten since their defeat to Charlton on 25th January, and last time out they held promotion rivals Crystal Palace to a 0-0 draw. It was a respectable point, but United will be looking to turn performances into victories again on Sunday. They currently sit fourth in the table, just one point behind Palace in the promotion play-off place and four adrift of an automatic promotion spot. A win here would do more than just strengthen their promotion push, it could also lift them into the play-off places.
United have had the upper hand in this fixture so far, winning all three previous meetings between the sides. The reverse clash in November ended in a 3-1 victory for the Magpies at St James’ Park, with Deanna Cooper and Emily Murphy scoring in quick succession after half-time to put them in control. Keira Barry pulled one back for Sunderland, but Murphy’s second of the afternoon sealed the result. Last season, Beth Lumsden also made her mark in this fixture with a brace, underlining Newcastle’s attacking threat in high-pressure matches.
Attacking quality could have a big say on Sunday. For Sunderland, Emily Scarr and Katie Kitching are their joint top scorers in the league with six goals apiece, while Eleanor Dale will hope to continue her recent good form and replicate Bryan Bobbey, number nine for the Black Cats’ men’s side’s derby day heroics.
Scarr has contributed nine league goal involvements in total, while Katy Watson has been the team’s main creative outlet with four assists. Natasha Fenton has also played an important role in midfield, giving the Black Cats a useful balance in the centre of the pitch.
Newcastle, though, arrive with some impressive numbers of their own. Emily Murphy leads the club’s scoring charts with six league goals and nine total goal contributions, while Lumsden remains a consistent threat in the final third. Jordan Nobbs has also been influential throughout the campaign, bringing both experience and creativity and her five goals and five assists have made her one of the club’s standout performers.
As a team, the Magpies rank fifth in the league for goals scored per game with an average of 1.6, while their defensive record is even stronger, conceding just 1.1 goals per 90, second only to Charlton. They also average 56.6 per cent possession, which shows their ability to control games.
Sunderland’s overall numbers are not far off in some areas, but they have been a little less consistent. They average 1.4 goals per match and concede 1.6, while their three league clean sheets highlight a side that can be vulnerable despite having attacking talent. Their possession figures are lower than Newcastle’s at 45.4 per cent, and they rank seventh for both shots on target and big chances created, suggesting they can threaten but have sometimes lacked the same cutting edge as their rivals.
There will also be added emotion for several players returning to face former clubs, with Hannah Greenwood, Claudia Moan and Emma Kelly all set to line up against their old side. That only adds to the sense that this will be a fiercely contested derby, with no shortage of storylines and no room for error. Sunderland will hope home advantage can help them end their wait for a first win over Newcastle, but the Magpies arrive with form, confidence and promotion ambitions firmly in their favour.