Welcome to Round 8 of Fantasy NWSL! We will preview the Match of the Week selected based on which fixture features the teams with the highest combined fantasy points per game played (FP/GP).
OL Reign vs Angel City FC
With a combined FP/GP of 190.75, the match between Reign and Angel City is the highest ranked Round 8 fixture from the perspective of teams’ average earning performance.
| Fixture | Combined FP/GP |
|---|---|
| OL Reign vs Angel City FC | 190.75 |
| North Carolina Courage vs Houston Dash | 183.96 |
| NJ/NY Gotham FC vs San Diego Wave FC | 181.78 |
| Portland Thorn vs Orlando Pride | 168.00 |
| Kansas City Current vs Chicago Red Stars | 164.38 |
| Washington Spirit vs Racing Louisville FC | 145.94 |
Overview
Reign vs Angel City promises to be a competitive match with the teams sitting in 6th and 4th place, respectively, in the league table. This will be the first meeting between the squads in 2022.
Look for the Reign to continue their stellar defensive play this season, recording a league-best 0.75 goals allowed per game. In the two games that Reign have won, they managed to hold their opponents scoreless while finding a lone second-half goal to seal the victory. When the team struggles, it comes down to not converting chances. Although Reign ranks second in the league in both shots and shots on goal, they are tied for second worst in goals scored.
Angel City enters the fixture coming off a last-minute win against Racing Louisville on Saturday. The squad has provided some uneven performances through their first eight games but has proven in spurts that it can deliver on both sides of the ball. Angel City is not a team that needs heavy possession to be successful. Look for the team to employ an organized defensive approach and spring counterattacks against the possession-minded Reign.
Players to Watch
OL Reign
- Phallon Tullis-Joyce (GK): Tullis-Joyce is currently the highest value goalkeeper in the league. She ranks first in the NWSL in saves and goals against average. Keeping a clean sheet will be critical for Reign to come away with a draw or win.
- Rose Lavelle (MF): Lavelle has been one of the most impactful players in the league in 2022, and her fantasy points reflect that. She is fourth overall in fantasy points earned, thanks to her even mix of offensive and defensive contributions. If Reign is to produce a goal, it’s likely the opportunity will involve Lavelle.
Angel City FC
- Vanessa Gilles (DF): Gilles is a crucial piece of the Angel City defense, typically anchoring the center of the squad’s back line. She is the team leader in fantasy points earned thanks to her defensive efforts. The fact that she was missing from the lineup in the team’s last game against Louisville (right hip injury) was a big reason Angel City allowed two goals. Whether she can return to the lineup against Reign will be crucial for Angel City’s chances.
- Jun Endo (FW): Endo is Angel City’s second leading fantasy point earner. She is a crafty winger with the ability to be a playmaker or finisher. With Christen Press out for the remainder of the season, Endo will be relied upon to generate increased offense.
Prediction
Reign vs Angel City will likely be a close match. Reign often finds itself in tight, low-scoring games. And Angel City has failed to produce a goal in three of its eight games. A 0-0 draw is not out of the question, but it’s likely that Reign will be able to find the back of the net at least once on their home field.
Personnel availability could be the deciding factor. Angel City will be forced to find its footing without Christen Press, their most dynamic player. Meanwhile, Reign may be able to lean on a new addition to their squad should Arsenal standout Kim Little (on loan to Reign for the season) be ready to join the midfield. Look for Reign to take three points in a 1-0 win.