WSL Fantasy returns with Gameweek 20 on the horizon.
As usual, we’ve asked our expert @Schurrle_FWSL to share his latest team ahead of the deadline. In this article, he reveals the squad he’s backing this week, along with the thinking behind his key picks.
It’s been a long break, but the WSL is finally back this week. And, as usual, there’s been a bit of chaos. We were told Arsenal’s game against Aston Villa would move into Gameweek 20, but it’s now landed in Gameweek 21 instead. That gives Aerial Fantasy its first-ever Triple Gameweek.
My “clean slate” last time out was fairly average. I ended on 54 points and picked up a grey arrow, which leaves me just outside the top 20. Not ideal, but still in a strong position. With Leicester City doubling this week, and a huge double plus triple on the horizon, here’s how my team is shaping up.
TEAM REVEAL
GOALKEEPERS
Last week’s punt didn’t go to plan. Anneke Borbe lost her spot to Daphne van Domselaar, and her minutes now look uncertain for the run-in. With a Triple Gameweek ahead, I need guaranteed starters from my Arsenal assets, so a move feels necessary.
The standout replacement is Ellie Roebuck. She blanks this week, but the double next week makes her a strong longer-term play.
That switch would mean starting Elene Lete for this round. It’s a compromise, but a reasonable one, with London City Lionesses hosting Leicester City.
DEFENDERS
With European rotation no longer a factor, the focus shifts to nailed players. One of the standout options is Ellie Carpenter, whose attacking numbers have picked up nicely since returning from the Asia Cup. She created a big chance against Arsenal in the Champions League and posted over 1.0 xG+xA in Chelsea’s last match before the break.
There’s also a double-up on the Manchester City defence, with Rebecca Knaak and Jade Rose both in place. The trip to Brighton isn’t the easiest on paper, but City only need five more points to seal the title. That should bring a controlled, professional performance.
The final defensive spot is less certain. Alejandra Bernabé currently holds it, but plans may change. The bigger picture is next week’s doubles and Arsenal’s triple, which makes a move towards their defence appealing.
One name firmly in the frame is Steph Catley. The issue is predicting minutes. With Champions League ties surrounding the Leicester fixture, rotation risk is hard to ignore.
Another possible route involves moving Manuela Vanegas instead. Brighton do have a double, but the fixtures – against Manchester United and Arsenal – are far from ideal. It’s a case of weighing up whether she offers more than the current defensive options.
MIDFIELDERS
This is where the Double Gameweek comes into play. Both Hannah Cain and Alisha Lehmann start, offering two bites at the cherry. Leicester’s attacking numbers aren’t great – they’ve yet to score away in 2026 – but they’ve already beaten London City Lionesses twice this season, which keeps things interesting.
The armband currently sits with Lehmann. Her underlying numbers remain solid, even if the team’s output hasn’t followed.
Elsewhere, there’s an Arsenal slot to fill. Mariona Caldentey gets the nod for now. Minutes are still a concern, but she feels like the most reliable attacking option across the upcoming triple. The Leicester fixture adds to the appeal, keeping her firmly in captaincy contention.
For now, Madison Haley and Jelena Cankovic drop to the bench. The matchup against Manchester City isn’t ideal, but both remain useful options heading into next week’s double.
FORWARDS
Up front, it’s hard to look past consistency. Bunny Shaw keeps her place as the league’s top scorer and remains one of the standout captaincy options every week.
There’s also no reason to move away from Alessia Russo after her North London derby hat-trick. Minutes may be slightly uncertain this week, but the upcoming triple makes her an easy hold. The Leicester fixture is good enough to justify starting her.
The final spot goes to Shannon O’Brien, completing a Leicester triple-up. She’s been one of the brighter performers in a tough campaign, and if Leicester do find the net, she’s likely to be involved.
CHIP STRATEGY
The fixture reshuffle has forced a rethink. The original plan was to Triple Captain this week and use The Wall next week, but that no longer feels optimal.
Instead, the focus shifts to maximising Arsenal’s Triple Gameweek. That’s where the Triple Captain will likely land. The Wall now looks better suited to the final Gameweek, especially given how awkward the current schedule makes it.
Best of luck for Gameweek 20.
