Ella Toone and Vivianne Miedema return for Manchester derby and Chelsea Women must hit the ground running as the WSL returns
Watch Man City vs Man Utd live on Sky Sports as the WSL returns; watch in-game clips and free match highlights shortly after full-time from both games; watch free match highlights from every WSL this weekend across Sky Sports' digital platforms
Sunday 19 January 2025 16:18, UK
Returning players could be key in Manchester derby
Man City vs Man Utd - Sunday January 19, kick-off 6.45pm, live on Sky Sports
It's not been the easiest season for either Manchester club in terms of injuries. Manchester City have seen absences for Vivianne Miedema, Lauren Hemp, Khadija Shaw and Alex Greenwood. Manchester United too have been without Ella Toone.
But the good news is that Miedema and Toone have already made scoring returns to action. Both netted in the weekend's FA Cup action, with the Man Utd midfielder scoring a superb goal.
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Both players can be game changers whether starting or not, and could be key in turning the game in favour of their sides in what could be a tight contest.
There's currently one point that separates them in the table. Man Utd are currently outside the top three on goal difference, but could leapfrog their city rivals with victory this weekend. Man City will also want to keep pace with Chelsea at the top as they hope to mount a title challenge in 2025.
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Why Chelsea must hit the ground running
West Ham vs Chelsea - Sunday January 19, kick-off 3pm
Despite being the WSL's undisputed leaders, there has been a blip in Chelsea's latest charge for the title. They drew 1-1 with Leicester in their last league outing and made hard work of it. It ended their 100 per cent winning record too.
They have won two games since against Real Madrid in the Champions League and Charlton in the weekend's FA Cup game - as well as a winter training camp in Portugal - but the Leicester result may just be niggling in the back of some minds.
Taking on West Ham, they will want to put that right as they focus attentions back onto league matters. While Chelsea have a six point gap over Man City in second, it would only take a few results either way to make that a tricky situation.
But Chelsea are nothing if not ruthless winners. A draw against Leicester still kept them unbeaten, and provided the Blues with a timely reminder of how tight the WSL can be. They won't want another this weekend.
Slegers starts new Arsenal era
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace - Sunday January 19, kick-off 2pm
It was quite the caretaker spell for Renee Slegers and so successful that Arsenal have now appointed her as Jonas Eidevall's permanent successor.
The new Gunners head coach has led her side to 11 unbeaten games across all competitions, taking them into the top three on goal difference.
Results are one thing and performance is another. Under Slegers, the Gunners have found both. Fluency has returned, goals are flowing, and the football is entertaining - all things Arsenal are renowned for.
Arsenal will be back at Meadow Park on Sunday to take on the league's bottom side in Crystal Palace and will be hoping to pick up where they left off.
Can Tottenham maintain their unbeaten run?
Tottenham vs Leicester - Sunday January 19, kick-off 12.30pm
Before the winter break, Tottenham were on a run of four games unbeaten in all competitions, including two in the WSL. Those six points make up over 50 per cent of their total for the season so far.
However, this run was over a month ago - and they face a Leicester side who held Chelsea to a draw before the winter break.
They looked astute in defence and frustrated a usually free-flowing Blues, and will have had more time on the training pitch to improve. Another draw - or even better, a victory - would be vital in their bid for WSL survival.
We could also see a debut for goalkeeper Lize Kop, who signed for Spurs this week from the Foxes. She has been handed the No1 shirt and will provide competition for Becky Spencer, who has conceded 23 goals in 10 WSL games this season - only Crystal Palace have shipped more.
