WSL predictions: Gameweek 14 | OneFootball

The WSL returns this weekend after a brief break for the FA Cup and Chelsea will hope to further extend their lead at the top of the table.

Sonia Bompastor’s side currently lead the way in the league standings, and are seven points clear of Manchester United at this stage. Arsenal are 10 points adrift in third, followed by Manchester City in fourth.

At the other end of the table, Crystal Palace are at risk of relegation in 12, but are just three points behind Leicester City. The likes of West Ham, Everton and Aston Villa are also at risk of being dragged into a battle for survival.

As the business end of the season nears, every game and every point is crucial for teams at the top and bottom of the WSL. So, 90min have predicted every result this weekend with some huge fixtures to come…

Manchester United vs Crystal Palace

Manchester United's Elisabeth Terland / James Fearn/GettyImages

Outside of Chelsea, United are undoubtedly the most in-form team in the league at the moment and they are the closest challengers for the title. After a narrow win over Tottenham Hotspur last time out in the league, Marc Skinner’s side will be hoping for a more comfortable victory this time around.

Palace have been stern opposition for a number of teams this term and unlike newly promoted sides in years gone by, are not necessarily the nailed on favourites to get relegated. There is still plenty to play for and points against the top teams in the division will go a long way in ensuring they’re still in the top flight next season.

That being said, United away is tough for any team, even those in good form. Palace have shown in flashes how resilient they can be, but it’s difficult to see anything other than a home win on this occasion.

Prediction: Manchester United 4-0 Crystal Palace

Arsenal vs Tottenham

Arsenal beat Manchester City last time out in the WSL / Visionhaus/GettyImages

The big games just keep coming for Arsenal as they were narrowly victorious against Manchester City last time out in the WSL. Now, they must host their bitter North London rivals at the Emirates Stadium in a bid to keep the pace with Chelsea and United.

Renee Slegers’ side are overwhelming favourites for this fixture given recent form, but that does not mean it will be straightforward. While Arsenal will likely come out on top in the end, Spurs will still be in it for the majority of the game.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham

Chelsea vs Everton

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor / Visionhaus/GettyImages

Chelsea’s last league win against Aston Villa was very uncharacteristic in that it took a late own goal from Sarah Mayling for the visitors to claim all three points at Villa Park. For large spells, Bompastor’s side looked a little uninspired and lacking in ideas.

That being said, it is always the sign of true champions when points are gained despite putting in a sub-par performance. Everton will be another stern test as a number of top teams have struggled to break them down this season.

Brian Sorensen’s side have also gained a new lease of life this month after a positive January transfer window. That being said, they have recently lost club captain Megan Finnigan to an ACL injury, which could derail some of the progress made in recent weeks.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Everton

Leicester City vs Aston Villa

Leicester City's form has been hit and miss / Jess Hornby/GettyImages

Leicester City’s form this season is extremely hit and miss. They recorded a big win at home to Liverpool at the end of last month, but followed that up with a dismal 4-1 loss at home to Everton a week later.

Villa, on the other hand, are still finding their feet under a new manager but have shown promising signs already. It’s difficult to see anything separating these two teams and a draw would be unsurprising.

Prediction: Leicester City 2-2 Aston Villa

West Ham vs Brighton

Brighton have suffered a recent dip in form / Mike Hewitt/GettyImages

Despite an extremely promising start to the season, Brighton’s form since the turn of the year has been anything but. The Seagulls are now three games without a win in the WSL following defeats to Liverpool and Spurs, followed by a draw against Palace last time out in the league.

West Ham will be no easy test for Dario Vidosic’s side, but it is the perfect opportunity to turn things around and get back on track. It won’t be comfortable, but any win would be significant for Brighton.

Prediction: West Ham 1-2 Brighton

Manchester City vs Liverpool

Manchester City are in desperate need of a win against Liverpool / Naomi Baker/GettyImages

Manchester City desperately need a win in order to regain some control in the race for Champions League football. Their hopes of lifting the WSL title have diminished in recent weeks following defeats against United and Arsenal and now Gareth Taylor’s side are at risk of losing out on a top three finish.

Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities are something City will need to exploit this weekend when the Merseyside outfit visit the Joie Stadium. City may have won the meeting at Anfield earlier in the campaign, but it was also a stern warning as to what Matt Beard’s side are capable of going forward with the likes of Olivia Smith.