WSL gameweek 9 preview: Six things to look out for
The final weekend of the WSL before the month-long winter break takes place on Sunday, with all 12 teams in action.
There are local derbies in both London and Manchester, matches in main stadiums and important fixtures at the top and bottom of the table, as teams attempt to finish the year on a high.
Here's everything to look forward to during gameweek nine in the WSL.
The biggest Manchester derby ever
Manchester City and Manchester United have faced each other many times over the last few years, but this is probably the first time they are going into a game when the latter is not an underdog.
Having never beaten City in a WSL game before now and narrowly failed to crack the top three in each of the last two seasons, United have made a flying start to the 2022/23 campaign and are firmly in the hunt for the Champions League race and maybe even a title challenge.
"I think the way the teams that have historically been above us see us has adapted and changed. It always helps getting the win against Arsenal and that was probably bigger psychologically than just the three points we got," United boss Marc Skinner said ahead of this one.
City had a summer of upheaval and lost two games to start the season, but have since put together nine successive wins in all competitions and are now fully in their stride.
With the top three race set to go to the wire again, this game could have much deeper ramifications than simply local bragging rights in Manchester. United could open up a six-point gap on their rivals with a win, put City victory would bring them right into the mix.
Man City vs Man Utd
When is kick off? Sunday 11 December, 12:30 (GMT)
Where is the match being played? Etihad Stadium
TV channel/live stream? BBC One/iPlayer (UK), FA Player, DAZN (International)
What time does coverage start in the UK?12:15 (GMT)
Referee? Abigail Byrne
London derby day for two evenly matched sides
It's derby day in London at Brisbane Road on Sunday as Tottenham host West Ham. Just three points separate the two sides in the league, and both teams will be hoping to bounce back from uncharacteristically disappointing results last time out.
West Ham have been typically fast starters under Paul Konchesky, but conceded twice in the opening 20 minutes against Liverpool last time out to slip to a 2-0 defeat - the Reds' first league win since the opening day of the season.
Spurs have been unable to build on their stunning 8-0 win over Brighton, as a fixture cancellation meant they didn't play for another three weeks after. They suffered a disappointing 1-0 loss to Reading last time out - which could have been more were it not for the strong performance from Becky Spencer.
“Playing against West Ham is a local London derby," said Rehanne Skinner. "It’s a battle and we’re fairly close in terms of where our pitch is in terms of their fanbase. Collectively, across the two, we’ve got a bit of a history. We’ve had ups and downs, both of us, on both sides of it. I think it’s going to be a really good game at the weekend, no doubt about that."
Tottenham vs West Ham
When is kick off? Sunday 11 December, 14:00 (GMT)
Where is the match being played? Brisbane Road
TV channel/live stream? FA Player
Referee? Richie Watkins
Can Leicester finally get off the mark?
Leicester are in a horrendous run of form, without a WSL win since February and losing 15 of their 16 league matches in that time. They are yet to pick up a point this season.
The Foxes suffered an 8-0 defeat to Chelsea last time out, with the Blues previewing the game with a picture on Twitter featuring a lion looming over a cowering fox.
"We have to make sure the disrespectful tweet that I felt came from Chelsea never happens again," Willie Kirk said. "We may not like admitting this, but a lot of people just now are seeing Leicester as a free hit. We have to turn that around."
Liverpool vs Leicester
When is kick off? Sunday 11 December, 14:00 (GMT)
Where is the match being played? Prenton Park
TV channel/live stream? FA Player
Referee? Louise Saunders
Potential season defining week for Everton
Everton have been much improved this season but, having already played each of the WSL's top four, they currently sit lower mid table.
Brian Sorensen has admitted that the Toffees' upcoming two fixtures could go a long way in determining where his side finish in the league this season.
Everton face second from bottom Brighton on Sunday, followed by their rearranged clash against Tottenham - a team they are currently level on points with - on Wednesday.
"The next two games will define where we’re going to be this season," said Sorensen. "If we lose those two we’ll probably be stuck in the lower end fighting our way out. But if you look at our [xG], we're probably the closest team to the top four."
Brighton vs Everton
When is kick off? Sunday 11 December, 14:00 (GMT)
Where is the match being played? Broadfield Stadium
TV channel/live stream? FA Player
Referee? Amy Fearn
Can Arsenal see out the year following injury problems?
Arsenal have endured a tough period of injury problems in recent months, with Leah Williamson, Rafaelle, Kim Little, Beth Mead and Lina Hurtig all having spells on the sideline.
Injuries derailed the Gunners' title charge last season, with a depleted Arsenal's loss to winless Birmingham in January ultimately costing them. They have slipped up just once this time around - against fellow WSL heavyweights Manchester United - and victory against Aston Villa will leave the title race still very much in their hands before they welcome players back after the winter break.
"The girls have done an amazing job," Leah Williamson said upon returning to the Arsenal side following her injury layoff.
"There’s been some incredible results in there. It’s nice feeling when you’re injured and you’re fighting to get back in and as soon as I come back in I felt well off the pace, which is great because it means the team’s firing."
Aston Villa vs Arsenal
When is kick off? Sunday 11 December, 16:15 (GMT)
Where is the match being played? Villa Park
TV channel/live stream? Sky Sports Main Event/Football/Premier League (UK) FA Player (international)
What time does coverage start in the UK? 15:30 (GMT)
Referee? Paul Howard
Can Chelsea head into the winter break top of the table?
The WSL title race is delicately poised, with Manchester United and Arsenal currently level on points and Chelsea three points clear at the league summit but having played a game more. All three have lost just once this season.
A point or more for Chelsea against Reading on Sunday will ensure the Blues finish 2022 top of the pile as they go in search of their fourth successive WSL title.
They face a tight turnaround for their final WSL fixture of the year, having played in Madrid in the Champions League on Thursday evening. Sunday's opponents Reading meanwhile have had seven days without a game.
Chelsea vs Reading
When is kick off? Sunday 4 December, 18:45 (GMT)
Where is the match being played? Kingsmeadow
TV channel/live stream? Sky Sports Main Event/Premier League/Football (UK) FA Player (International)
What time does coverage start in the UK? 18:30
Referee? Kirsty Dowle