Our WSL Fantasy expert @Schurrle_FWSL’s reveals his Gameweek 16 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.
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A third green arrow in a row pushed my team into the top 20 for the first time this season after Gameweek 15. With this week’s deadline falling on a Friday, and a month-long break to follow, this is how I’m currently setting up for Gameweek 16:
TEAM REVEAL
GOALKEEPERS
My run of visionary goalkeeper returns came to an end last weekend. Jennifer Falk conceded once and fell short on saves, while Kinga Szemik had a similar outcome from the bench.
Seven of the last eight goalkeepers to face Chelsea would have qualified for visionary points. For that reason, she keeps her place between the sticks this week, despite Szemik having the easier-looking fixture away to Everton. I’m not expecting a clean sheet from Falk, but I am hoping Chelsea pepper the goal with shots and she racks up the saves.
DEFENDERS
After clean sheets in both the WSL and the Champions League, I’m sticking with my Manchester United defensive double-up. I’m confident Maya Le Tissier starts, but Anna Sandberg’s availability looks uncertain after she was withdrawn early in the second half against Atlético Madrid on Thursday night.
We’re unlikely to get clarity before the deadline, but with a month-long break between Gameweek 16 and the next round, there should be enough recovery time ahead of Gameweek 17. If Sandberg does miss out this week, I’m comfortable with the cover on my bench and won’t be forcing a transfer.
Ellie Carpenter keeps her spot with a strong home fixture against Liverpool. After a difficult period on and off the pitch at Chelsea, the team will want to build on their 2–0 win over Tottenham. As expected, Carpenter continues to operate high and wide, even when Bompastor opts for a back four. The only concern is her likely absence in Gameweeks 17 and possibly 18, with Australia hosting the Women’s Asian Cup.
Clare Hunt completes my defence for now, but that may change before the deadline. Hunt is also expected to depart for the Asian Cup, which makes this a sensible time to move her on. Jade Rose (4.0m) looks like the replacement as I move back to a Manchester City triple-up and prepare for a potential Wall Boost in Gameweek 18.
Alice Bergström drops to the bench following an unexpected omission in Gameweek 15.
MIDFIELDERS
I still have some concerns about Jess Park’s consistency, especially after she failed to register a shot or chance created against Leicester on Sunday. That said, with United’s fixtures remaining favourable, I’m happy to keep her. The last time Park faced London City, she produced a goal, an assist, and two bonus points, making this a great opportunity for a return.
Enough managers sold Signe Gaupset last week for her visionary status to be reinstated. Despite no returns so far, she has looked encouraging for Tottenham, and with the ability to unlock an extra three visionary points from a single return, I’m very happy to start her against an out-of-form Aston Villa side.
I’m currently starting Miri Taylor alongside Gaupset. Taylor was a late transfer ahead of last week’s deadline and delivered immediately, scoring a screamer to finish on 11 points. With a midfield transfer likely, she sits first on my bench this week and will step in if Sandberg misses out.
Madison Haley joins her Brighton teammate Tvedten on the bench for now. However, with Brighton’s fixtures worsening and Arsenal’s improving, a move from Haley to Mariona Caldentey (9.9m) is firmly on the radar.
FORWARDS
Viviane Asseyi scored late to seal a dramatic win for West Ham after they were 2-0 down in the 82nd minute. She has returned in three of her last five matches and posted close to 2.0 xG+xA in the previous game. She remains visionary and is an easy hold ahead of a trip to an inconsistent Everton side.
Manchester City’s difficult run is over. I’m pairing Vivianne Miedema with my captain Bunny Shaw again. They have combined for 20 goals and nine assists in the league this season. Leicester, who sit bottom, visit next. It should be a strong fixture for City.
