All 12 FA WSL teams are gearing up for a pivotal weekend as battles at the bottom, middle, and top of the table reach their climaxes. Arsenal and Manchester City will clash for a chance to stay alive in the title race alongside Chelsea and Manchester United. Everton will face Birmingham City in a middle of the table skirmish, while Reading takes on a tough challenge against Man Utd away from home, and Tottenham visits Aston Villa. Bristol City will be looking for back-to-back wins and its second of this season against West Ham to leave the relegation spot, while Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa join the fight to stay away from the bottom spot.
Game of the Week: Arsenal vs. Manchester City
The last game of the weekend will be the most sought after as Arsenal host Manchester City in a must-win game to keep hopes alive for winning the title. The London side enters the duel in fourth place with 23 points after 11 games, while Manchester City enters in third place with 27 points after 12 games.
The Gunners have not played a league game in two weeks due to harsh weather conditions. On the other hand, Manchester City has won its last two games 7-1 over Brighton and 4-0 against West Ham in the past two weeks. The combination of Man City's good form and Arsenal's lack of play will put Joe Montemurro in a tough position. Additionally, Arsenal's form has been under fire even before the two weeks without a game, winning two, losing one and drawing two of their last five league matches. However, the Gunners will be looking forward to playing their first home game of 2020. Their previous three results at home have been a 1-all draw to Chelsea, a 3-0 victory over Birmingham City and a 4-0 win against Everton.
Manchester City steps up to the challenge after defeating Arsenal 2-1 thanks to Caroline Weir's added-time goal in December at the Academy Stadium. Vivianne Miedema's goal in the third minute of the game was Arsenal's only shot on target. In comparison, Man City had 18 shots and four on target. The Citizens were the clear dominant side that time out.
Talk of the Week: Top midseason transfers
Jill Scott from Manchester City to Everton (loan)
Everton referred to veteran midfielder Jill Scott as an "England great" when they announced her arrival at the Merseyside club, and that is exactly what they are getting. Scott's return does not only bring back warm memories from her memorable seven-year stint as a Toffee, but she is there to lead and help Everton mature along the way.
Everton had an exciting start of the season with four consecutive wins followed by a two-all draw with Brighton on Oct. 18, 2020. Since then, Willie Kirk's side has found four points from six games, falling to the top four sides and drawing Reading. Scott will help Kirk pave the way for Everton's new signings and those players who have yet reached the winning mentality that will get them to challenge with the likes of Man Utd, Man City, Arsenal and Chelsea in the coming days.
Abby Dahlkemper from the North Carolina Courage to Manchester City (permanent)
U.S. Women's National Team players have proven their worth in this FA WSL season, and Abby Dahlkemper is next up to face the challenge. One of the most decorated active American defenders, Dahlkemper arrives at Man City as the final piece to complete Gareth Taylor's back-four. Now, the Citizens have a backline composed of Alex Greenwood, Lucy Bronze, Steph Houghton and Dahlkemper.
If Manchester City has learned something about the league and Chelsea's dominance starting last season, it is that the best defensive side usually wins it. And with the tools that City possess when going forward, it really puts the Citizens in a position to win the coming years.
Maria Thorisdottir from Chelsea to Manchester United (permanent)
Casey Stoney also recognizes the importance that defense has in the league, leading her to sign the ever-so-efficient Maria Thorisdottir to a deal until the end of the 2022/23 season.
The 27-year-old defender joins from Chelsea and carries a load of experience, including 46 caps for Norway. Moreover, Thorisdottir was key in Norway's journey to the quarterfinals of the 2019 Women's World Cup in France. Thorisdottir is a perfect fit for Manchester United, the club she grew up supporting as a young girl in Norway.
Claire Emslie from the Orlando Pride to Everton (permanent)
Everton hit the jackpot by securing forward Claire Emslie to a permanent deal from the Orlando Pride. The news came with little surprise given Kirk's and Emslie's long-time professional relationship. They won the Scottish League Cup with Hibernian in 2011 and continued their careers at Bristol City after.
Emslie is a clear-cut winger with lots of speed and skill on the ball. That and her drive to take part in the club's plans will make her a perfect candidate for Everton's ambitions.
Mana Iwabuchi from INAC Kobe Leonessa to Aston Villa (permanent)
Japanese international Mana Iwabuchi had an instant impact on Aston Villa upon arrival. The 27-year-old forward got involved in a 2-2 comeback draw against Reading in January, scoring one goal and dishing out an assist to Diana Silva in added time. Iwabuchi, who is the captain of her national team, has over 70 senior caps and became a World Cup winner in 2011. Moreover, she has experience playing in Germany with Hoffenheim and Bayern Munich. Iwabuchi might be the key for Aston Villa to stay in top-flight English football.
