Featured photo by Leanne, all rights reserved.
There’s Friday night football in the WSL this weekend as Round 8 opens with Brighton hosting Reading.
The hosts sit ninth after a heavy defeat to Man United last weekend by four goals to nil. Before that however they were beaten in their previous three games which included big victories and clean sheets against Birmingham and London Bees. Kayleigh Green was on target twice in their last WSL fixture. Meanwhile Reading sit sixth with ten points, five above Brighton. They defeated West Ham in dramatic fashion last weekend with three goals in the space of seven inutes turning the tie on its head. All of this while playing with only ten players after the dismissal of Rachel Rowe. Lisa-Marie Utland will be looking to open her league account after netting five times against Crystal Palace in the 6-0 cup victory while defender Kristine Leine will be looking for her third successive goal after scoring in the previous two.
TIME: 19:45 Friday 29th November, Broadfield Stadium, Crawley.
Below we look into the key players for the two sides so far this campaign:
Brighton & Hove Albion
STAR PLAYER – LEA LE GARREC (MF) – POINTS 48 (£40,000)
The French midfielder has been playing in a front two for Brighton although listed as a midfielder. With a goal and assist in the 3-0 victory over Birmingham, Le Garrec will hope to continue her attacking prowess against a shaky Reading defence. The 26 year old has started in all but one of Brighton’s league outings this campaign scoring double figures twice including 19 points in Round 6.
STAR IN THE SHADOWS – FELICITY GIBBONS (DF) – POINTS 47 (£17,500)
The Brighton defence can be unpredictable but have kept two clean sheets so far this season and Gibbons has been a vital part of both. Scoring double figures in two game weeks so far, the defender is quietly going about her business. The 25 year old is an ever present at the back, starting in every league fixture so far.
RISING STAR – MAYA LE TISSIER (DF) – POINTS 15 (£10,000)
The 17 year old is yet to rally up substantial points so far but has made the centre back position her own, starting the last 3 WSL fixtures. Although no relation to Matt, the youngster will be looking to make the famous south coast surname hers in years to come. Le Tissier has kept a clean sheet once so far, in a 3-0 home drubbing of Birmingham City in Round 6.
UNLIKELY TO PLAY*: ELLIE BRAZIL (ACL), LAURA RAFFERTY (ACL), JENNA LEGG (MOVED TO CHARLTON), VICKY ASHTON-JONES (LEFT CLUB)
Reading
STAR PLAYER – FARA WILLIAMS (MF) – POINTS 67 (£50,000)
One of the biggest names in English football, the record international cap holder is again having an impressive campaign. The 34 year old controls the Reading midfield, along with fellow England international Jade Moore, another high scorer for the Royals. Williams pips Moore to the star player with the importance of her set pieces. Free Kicks and corners provide Williams with a positive return in every game week. Reading scored from two corners last game with Williams assisting the other goal, she also rattled the crossbar with a free kick.
STAR IN THE SHADOWS – GRACE MOLONEY (GK) – POINTS 30 (£17,500)
The Irish international is another well-known name on the WSL stage. As well as her comedic approach to interviews, teammates and the media, Moloney is Reading’s first choice goalkeeper. An ever present in the Reading goal, Moloney will be looking to keep a clean sheet against a Brighton side who can be fifty fifty. A regular playing goalkeeper for the lowly price of £17,500 should tempt any manager; my chosen number 1 for this weekend.
RISING STAR – KRISTINE BJøRDAL LEINE (DF) – POINTS 61 (£20,000)
The Norwegian defender has taken to the WSL like a duck to water. Solid defensive displays for the tall centre back have caught the attention of alongside getting herself on the scoresheet for the Royals on her last two outings. A target in the box from set pieces, Leine will be looking to make it three successive games with a goal.
UNLIKELY TO PLAY*: RACHEL ROWE (SUSPENSION), NATASHA HARDING (HAMSTRING), KIERA SKEELS (UNKNOWN INJURY, POSSIBLE RETURN), LILY WOODHAM (LOAN TO CHARLTON), LAUREN BRUTON, MOLLY BARTRIP (UNKNOWN ABSENCE)
Written by Ben Waite (Follow on Twitter at @etiawneb for regular WSL updates!)
*Please note, all information we have may not be 100% accurate