As we move forward into the final Matchweek of Leg 1, managers have one more opportunity to affect their rankings before the international break.
Matchweek 4 brought some rotation and uncertainty that definitely makes the game interesting, with Manchester City giving us the clearest example. Khadija “Bunny” Shaw, who scored in each of her first three matches, earned just one point off the bench after being captained by more than half of the managers in the game. Lauren Hemp, who is also in fine attacking form, was also given a full rest in Matchweek 4. Luckily, Océane Hurtré, who we identified as a solid one to watch, responded with a brace in Birmingham’s 3-3 draw against Crystal Palace. Her efforts resulted in her earning 18 fantasy points, taking her points total to 42 for the season, the highest in the game.
Matchweek 4 Highlights
Tottenham put four past Aston Villa, continuing what has been an excellent attacking start to the season. Victoria Pelova now has four goals and an assist, while Spurs have scored 15 and conceded just two across their opening four league games. Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Arsenal was also significant as it ended Arsenal’s 20-game unbeaten league run. Chelsea recorded their third consecutive clean sheet, with Ellie Carpenter continuing her excellent fantasy start, reaching 41 points. For Newcastle, Martha Thomas scored twice in their 4-0 win over Leicester. This took her to four goals and an assist in the league this season. She finished Matchweek 4 with 15 fantasy points and is now the highest-scoring forward in the game.
Matchweek 5 Preview
Matchweek 5 is the final Matchweek of Leg 1, which changed our transfer approach for this week. Ahead of Matchweek 6, managers will receive unlimited free transfers, and the timing is perfect with Matchweek 6 following an international break. This means this week’s team selection is about this week only. There is no need to consider future fixtures or potential injuries during the break.
Newcastle’s trip to Durham immediately stands out due to Newcastle’s attacking form and defensive strength. Newcastle have won all four of their WSL2 matches, scoring 11 and conceding just one. Durham, meanwhile, are still without a point and have conceded 13 goals. In the WSL, Chelsea travel to West Ham, Tottenham host London City, and Liverpool travel to Manchester United. The big match of the weekend will be Manchester City vs Arsenal. With rotation risks and some competitive fixtures, we must manage risk by checking the line-ups where possible, having a strong bench and being prepared to use substitutions wisely.
Ones to watch
Martha Thomas, Newcastle, £5m
Thomas’ form makes a strong case for her inclusion in any team with four goals, one assist and 36 fantasy points in four appearances. Add a fixture against Durham to the equation, and managers face one of the weekend’s clearest value options. If you’ve already missed out on points from Thomas, now might be the time to back her.
Andrea Medina, Manchester United, £5.5m
Medina is one of the more intriguing options at her price because she is listed as a defender but has been operating much further forward for United. She opened her WSL account last weekend and has already scored 28 fantasy points, with 13 interceptions and seven tackles. This shows that she can pick up points even when she doesn’t directly contribute to a goal. With United hosting Liverpool, Medina offers an interesting combination of attacking positioning and defensive capabilities.
Victoria Pelova, Tottenham, £6.5m
Pelova has been flying under the radar with several other Spurs assets taking the spotlight, however, she’s becoming harder to keep off our list. Pelova has scored four goals and provided an assist with only two league starts. These back-to-back braces have taken her to 38 fantasy points and around 8% ownership. While London City will provide a tougher fixture, her current form makes her difficult to ignore.
BTP’s Matchweek 5 WSL Fantasy Team Selection
The goalkeeper pairing provides a rotation option across different matchdays with Khiara Keating and Liverpool facing Manchester United on Saturday. United have not had the best start to the season and are still struggling to find their rhythm. Hannah Hampton and Chelsea provide Sunday coverage as they travel to West Ham. Chelsea have conceded just once in four league matches, so Hampton has the defensive platform for another strong return.
In defence, Carpenter remains one of the safest defensive picks in the game after amassing 41 fantasy points. Chelsea have also conceded just once this season. Alex Greenwood gives us exposure to the City vs Arsenal game without having to import too many players from what should be an exciting battle. Caitlin Dijkstra comes in after scoring in Tottenham’s 4-0 win over Villa. Spurs have also conceded just two goals in four matches and have a decent fixture against London City Lionesses. Kaitlyn Torpey provides coverage of Newcastle’s excellent fixture against Durham. Based on their form, I would not go without a defensive and attacking option from the Magpies. Finally, Gabriella George is an interesting Brighton option. She has already scored once in two starts and has been particularly impressive in possession, completing over 93% of her passes. With Charlton having conceded 10 goals, this is a fixture where Brighton’s defence could finally have a chance to deliver.
Lauren James returns to the team despite Chelsea’s midweek European involvement. James has already contributed in the league this season and, when fit, has a high points ceiling. Beth Lumsden gets into the team for the same reason as Torpey. Newcastle assets are too good to miss out on, and with 11 goals in four matches it’s difficult to ignore her. Victoria Pelova has also been almost impossible to leave out. Four goals and an assist in her first two league starts have taken her to 38 fantasy points, and she remains a differential at around 8% ownership. Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah has also been in great form with 33 points. She has earned seven bonus points, the most of any midfielder so far, and faces Burnley at home. Lastly, Fran Kirby gets the nod as part of a Brighton triple-up. Brighton haven’t had the strongest start, but the matchup against Charlton is too appealing to ignore. Charlton have conceded 10 goals in four matches, and Kirby already has 20 Fantasy points this season.
Our forward lineup includes Bunny Shaw, who maintains her place, despite last week’s rotation heartbreak. After scoring midweek, Shaw reminded managers that one benching isn’t enough to write off City’s biggest attacking threat. Shaw has already scored four league goals and added an assist, and I would rather accept the possibility of managed minutes than go into City vs Arsenal without her. Martha Thomas is currently the game’s highest-scoring forward with 36 fantasy points. She’s scored two goals in matchweek 4, and with Newcastle facing Durham, she is one of the clearest value plays of the weekend. Kiko Seike completes the forward lineup and provides us with another Brighton option. This allows us to attack the favourable matchup against Charlton Athletic.
With Leg 1 almost in the books, Matchweek 5 provides managers with one last push before the international break. This week is less about building a long-term team and more about selecting a strong team for one week only. Certain teams and players have already set themselves apart in these opening weeks, so trust the analysis, trust your gut, and as always, check those lineups.
Good luck and happy picking!
