WSL Fantasy returns with Gameweek 21 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.
A score of 70 points in Gameweek 20 brought a small green arrow and lifted my team back inside the top 20. With a huge Triple Gameweek ahead and a quick turnaround to the next deadline, here’s how my squad is shaping up:
TEAM REVEAL
GOALKEEPER
I opted for Daphne van Domselaar as my Arsenal defensive pick. There’s still a risk that Anneke Borbe could come in, but I’m backing Van Domselaar to keep her place for at least two of the three fixtures as Arsenal push the title race to the final weekend. If things go to plan, Elene Lete shouldn’t be needed again this season.
DEFENDERS
Chelsea’s attacking full-back threat was on display again last weekend, with Ellie Carpenter getting on the scoresheet and posting 0.71 xG+xA. With Leicester already relegated and Chelsea chasing Champions League football, this looks like another strong opportunity for returns.
At the Etihad, Manchester City’s home record remains flawless this season, which makes holding Rebecca Knaak an easy decision despite the recent slip against Brighton. A home fixture against Liverpool offers solid clean sheet potential, and her presence from set pieces only adds to the appeal.
Brighton’s defensive pick comes in the form of Manuela Vanegas, who completes my back three. The Double Gameweek isn’t ideal on paper, but recent performances suggest they can compete with top sides. With visionary points in play, she still feels worth keeping.
For now, Jade Rose drops to the bench as I prioritise stronger fixtures, while Alejandra Bernabé also sits out due to a very tough trip to Manchester City.
MIDFIELDERS
Last Gameweek belonged to Madison Haley, and the decision to start her paid off massively. A late switch brought in a 17-point swing as she scored twice against the league leaders. Even with difficult fixtures ahead, her recent form against top sides and her visionary status make her hard to ignore.
Preparation for this double saw Kirsty Hanson come in last week, and she looks essential now. With 12 goals this season and a place among the top points scorers in the game, she offers both consistency and upside.
With three fixtures ahead, the vice-captaincy currently sits on Mariona Caldentey. Despite being benched midweek, she remains a key player – on penalties, strong for bonus, and always capable of delivering big returns. There’s even a small temptation to push her into the captaincy spot.
Changes are coming in midfield, with Alisha Lehmann and Hannah Cain set to leave after underwhelming returns. Lucia Kendall (5.5m) looks likely to come in, especially with her return to visionary status. The final decision is trickier, with Fran Kirby, Lauren James, and Sjoeke Nüsken all under consideration.
Form favours Kirby, who has four assists in her last two matches, but Brighton’s fixtures aren’t ideal. That opens the door to a single Gameweek punt. James offers reliability with her current level, while Nüsken brings serious upside thanks to her visionary status. Despite blanking recently, her 1.26 xG+xA highlights the threat, and she could take full advantage of a Leicester side already relegated.
FORWARDS
There’s no overthinking it here – Bunny Shaw remains a locked-in starter. Her home record is outstanding, including six goals in her last three home games against Liverpool. Without Arsenal’s Triple Gameweek, she’d comfortably take the captaincy.
Leading the line alongside her, Alessia Russo is set to be the focal point of my Triple Captain chip. With 13 goal involvements in 17 starts and strong underlying numbers (0.74 xG+xA per 90), she looks primed for a big return. Her midweek benching should only help ensure strong minutes across the triple.
After a solid contribution last week, Shannon O’Brien moves to the bench this time around.
