There’s a lot to look forward to in 2024 in the world of women’s football. Here’s some highlights to keep an eye on.
DOMESTIC
Barclays WSL + WC Conclusion
The second half of the Barclays WSL begins on Friday 19th January as Leicester host Aston Villa.
While Arsenal get the opportunity of the Saturday fixture to narrow the gap, all eyes will be on Stamford Bridge on Sunday 21st January as the holders host Manchester United. Chelsea, currently three points ahead of both Manchester City and Arsenal, will have to adapt quickly to life without Sam Kerr as they hunt down their fifth successive league title while Marc Skinner’s side will know they need a result to stay in touch of the Champions League places.
Gareth Taylor’s City are firmly in contention after an impressive first half to their campaign. They sit in second and host Liverpool, a potential stumbling block.
Things remain tight at the bottom with a competitive relegation battle looming. Bristol City currently prop up the table but will feel they’ve shown enough in the first half of the season to compete. They travel to Brighton who are in danger of being dragged into the mix. West Ham have strengthened over January with the arrival of seasoned internationals Kristie Mewis, Katrina Gorry and Shelina Zadorsky but still have to dig themselves out of a bit of a hole. Rehanne Skinner’s side host an emboldened Tottenham as they kick start the rest of their campaign.
The Championship, meanwhile, has been a wild ride again this season and resumes on Sunday 21st January. Despite an abject start to the season, Birmingham City moved to the top of the pack, joint on points with Charlton. Just two points separate positions one to five with Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Southampton all still in the mix.
With two relegation spots this season, the stakes could not be higher down the other end. One point separates Lewes from 12th placed Watford but Reading, London City and Sheffield United could all be drawn into the fight.
The final day of the WSL is Saturday 18th May while the Championship ends on Sunday 28th April. You can see all league tables and remaining fixtures here.
FAWNL Finale
The six FAWNL divisions are all shaping up to have fascinating conclusions. The final day of the season is currently on Sunday 5th May.
The league resumed at the weekend as teams continued their push for promotion. For the first time, the winners of both the FAWNL Premier divisions will be automatically promoted to the Championship if they meet league requirements meaning there is no Play-Off Final this time round.
Unbeaten Newcastle United have opened up a lead at the top of the Northern Premier while Burnley, also undefeated this campaign, keep up the chase. They are five points behind but do have a game in hand. Huddersfield Town and AFC Fylde have a battle on their hands to stay up. Meanwhile, Hashtag United currently top the Southern Premier but Portsmouth are still firmly in control, sitting just three points behind and with two games in hand. Things look tough for both Chatham Town and London Bees at the bottom.
In Division 1, things are getting interesting. The impressive Barnsley have opened up a healthy six point lead in the North Division. Loughborough Lightning hold a narrower two-point advantage over Boldmere in the Midlands Division while Peterborough United are also in pursuit. AFC Wimbledon currently lead the way in the South East Division but Norwich City hold a game in hand and remain unbeaten. Finally, Exeter City moved to the top of the South West Division on Sunday but AFC Bournemouth sit just three points behind. Both sides are undefeated and currently have exactly the same goal difference (40) making the second half of the campaign a fascinating watch.
You can see all league tables and remaining fixtures here.
Adobe Women’s FA Cup
The 2023/24 Adobe Women’s FA Cup resumes on 13th/14th January at the Fourth Round stage with WSL sides entering into the mix. There are 16 fixtures to be played. Luton Town are the lowest ranked team left in the competition as they host Brighton. Moneyfields, a fourth tier side, will travel to London City Lionesses. Manchester United hosting Newcastle is a mouth-watering prospect while Watford will face Arsenal. Check out all the ties here.
From there, we will have:
- Fifth Round: 11th February
- Quarter-Finals: 10th March
- Semi-Finals: 14th April
The Final will be played at Wembley on Saturday 12th May. Tickets come on general sale on 12th January here.
Continental Cup
There is one matchday left of the Group Stage (24th/25th January) with all eight quarter-final spots up for grabs. Aston Villa face Sunderland knowing that a result will see them progress. There is a tasty looking fixture in Group B as Manchester City host Manchester United, the former needing a win. Things are equally tight in Groups C and D – just two points separate Crystal Palace, London City, Lewes and Watford while Arsenal lead Tottenham by a point going into the final game. Finally, Brighton are favourites to advance from Group E and will be confirmed quarter-finalists with a result over Charlton.
From there, we will have:
- Quarter-Finals: 7th/8th February
- Semi-Finals: 6th/7th March
The 2023/24 Final will be helad at Wolves’ Molineux Stadium on Sunday 31st March. Tickets can be bought here.
UWCL
The Group Stage is also still underway in the Champions League with two matchdays to play – 24th/25th January and 30th/31st January.
Barcelona and Lyon have already secured their progression from Groups A and B respectively but things are tight elsewhere. Group C are separated by just three points, with Ajax currently leading the way. Chelsea moved to the top of Group D with their 3-1 victory over BK Häcken just before Christmas. A victory over Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge will confirm their progression. Rosengård and Real Madrid are already out of the competition but all second spots are also up for grabs.
The competition will resume just over a month later with the Quarter-Finals taking place on the 19th/20th and 27th/28th March.
The Semi-Finals will then be played on 20th/21st and 27th/28th April.
This year’s UWCL Final is to be held in Bilbao, at San Mamés on Saturday 25th May.
Other UK + Ireland leagues
SWPL
Both SWPL leagues restart after the winter break on Sunday 14th January.
The first phase of SWPL finishes on Sunday 3rd March. Phase 2 will then see the top six play each other home and away, with the bottom six doing the same.
Rangers lead the way and remain unbeaten this campaign. Celtic sit three points behind with both sides set to meet on 18th February. Current Champions Glasgow City have dropped away and will need a strong phase 2 to have a chance at returning to the Champions League.
Queen’s Park are firmly in the lead at the top of SWPL 2.
You can see all league tables and remaining fixtures here.
Adran Premier League
In Wales, the Adran Premier League returned on Wednesday 10th January with Cardiff Met securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Pontypridd.
Cardiff City are currently in prime position to lift the trophy once more, with a large gap having opened up over Swansea City in second.
You can see all league tables and remaining fixtures here.
Sports Direct Northern Ireland Women’s Premiership
2023 saw another league campaign get underway. Glentoran returned to winning ways, lifting the trophy in October.
There has not been any news yet on the start of the 2024 season yet but watch this space.
SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division
Peamount United were crowned 2023 SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division Champions, pipping Shelbourne to the title and 2024/25 Champions League spot.
This year sees the league kick off on Saturday 9th March with Peamount opening their title defence away to Cork City.
All fixtures can be found here.
