Our WSL Fantasy expert @Schurrle_FWSL’s reveals his Gameweek 13 squad as managers prepare for another important round of fixtures.
With key decisions to make across the pitch, this team selection offers insight into the players being trusted ahead of the deadline.
TEAM REVEAL
Gameweek 12 proved to be a strong outing, with a 68-point return marking an encouraging start to the second half of the season.
Despite finishing around 20 points above the average, a small red arrow followed, dropping the rank to 36th overall. With four consecutive rounds of WSL action ahead, this is how the squad is shaping up for Gameweek 13:
GOALKEEPER
Despite conceding five goals and making an error that led to Lauren James’ strike, Kinga Szemik still returned five points in Gameweek 12. That again showed the value of visionary goalkeepers.
The Polish international now faces Leicester. They sit bottom of the league for expected goals. Losing her clean sheet in the 97th minute of the reverse fixture adds extra motivation.
With Daphne van Domselaar close to returning from injury, Anneke Börbe moves to the bench. She proved a strong short-term pick ahead of last week’s deadline.
DEFENDERS
Everton have produced the lowest expected goals at home this season. That makes Marisa Olislagers an appealing option again. She also showed clear attacking threat earlier in the campaign.
I’m starting my Manchester United double-up of Maya Le Tissier and Anna Sandberg. Both narrowly missed out on clean sheet points last week.
Despite conceding over 20 shots and playing more than 25 minutes with ten players, United still looked defensively solid. The return of Phallon Tullis-Joyce has made a clear difference.
I’m pleased to finally own Maya Le Tissier. I’ve delayed the move all season. Her haul potential remains high, especially if United win a penalty.
Ellie Carpenter completes my defence. It was a close call with Clare Hunt, who has an easier fixture. Carpenter offers more attacking routes. She consistently pushes high up the pitch and has scored or assisted in every appearance at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea.
Despite Arsenal missing Olivia Smith, I’m not expecting a clean sheet. I’m hoping for an attacking return instead.
MIDFIELDERS
Lauren Hemp was unlucky not to return in Gameweek 12. She posted a combined xG and xA of over 1.0 against Everton.
She now faces London City Lionesses. That gives her a strong chance of one or two attacking returns.
Signe Gaupset scored only three points last week but again impressed. She won Player of the Match on her league debut. She then provided an assist in Tottenham’s FA Cup win.
Her role offers flexibility. She can play as an eight, a ten or from wide areas. With visionary status, she remains a strong asset. A fixture against bottom-placed Liverpool could help her open her league account.
Lauren James currently sits in my XI. She will likely be transferred out before the deadline. Despite her ten-point haul last week, she has lost visionary status. She also faces Arsenal and Manchester City next.
I need funds elsewhere. That makes her the obvious player to sell.
I’m targeting Madison Haley (6.0m) as her replacement. She is playing up front for Brighton. She holds visionary status. If Fran Kirby remains unavailable, she also takes penalties.
Kirsty Hanson moves to the bench for a tough home fixture against Manchester United. She is joined by Olaug Tvedten, who is still yet to feature since joining Brighton.
FORWARDS
I’m sticking with a Manchester City attacking triple-up. Vivianne Miedema and Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw join Lauren Hemp.
Both rank inside the top three for expected goals this season. Both also scored in the reverse fixture against London City in Gameweek 4.
As usual, Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw takes the captain’s armband.
Sam Kerr was unexpectedly benched against West Ham. She is likely to leave my squad this week. Two difficult fixtures are coming up.
To replace her, I’m bringing in another visionary option. Viviane Asseyi (9.0m) joins from West Ham.
She has started all 12 league matches this season. Her output has been limited so far, but the underlying numbers remain strong. She leads West Ham for expected goals per 90. She also takes most set pieces and penalties.
Her goal and two assists away at Newcastle in the FA Cup should boost confidence. A favourable run of fixtures now follows for the East London club.
As always, keep an eye on my Twitter for press conference updates, injury news and predicted line-ups.
Best of luck for Gameweek 13.
