With six rounds of WSL Fantasy complete, attention now turns to Matchweek 7.
Our expert Joe is back to reveal his latest squad, sharing his planned transfers, key selection decisions and captaincy thoughts ahead of the deadline.
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I’m really pleased with how Matchweek 6 went for my team. A second consecutive triple-digit score has moved me up to 20th in the world, and I’m more than happy with how my squad looks heading into this next run of fixtures.
With another Matchweek just around the corner, here’s how I’m currently lining up for Matchweek 7!
TEAM REVEAL
GOALKEEPERS
I’ve settled on Sophie Baggaley and Hannah Hampton as my goalkeeper rotation. Unfortunately, they don’t play on different days over the next two Matchweeks, but I’m confident both will start regularly. Chelsea also face Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic next, giving Hampton excellent clean-sheet potential.
It’s still a difficult decision this week, especially with Birmingham City facing fellow promoted side Charlton. However, Chelsea boast the league’s best defence for expected goals conceded (xGC), so it’s hard to overlook Hampton.
DEFENDERS
Ellie Carpenter remains Fantasy WSL’s highest-scoring player, having delivered returns in all six Matchweeks. Sunday’s performance might have been her best yet, with two goals helping her to a massive 15-point haul.
The Chelsea defender has missed just six minutes this season. With Crystal Palace and Charlton up next, she’ll certainly enter my captaincy thinking in both weeks.
I was particularly excited about Natalia Ramos as a differential last week, and she certainly delivered! A stunning strike from around 30 yards helped her to 12 points, continuing her excellent start at Liverpool.
My only concern is her minutes, particularly with Marie Höbinger and other midfielders returning to fitness. However, having an advanced midfielder classified as a defender is incredibly valuable. I’m happy to keep starting Ramos, even against a London City Lionesses side that can’t stop scoring! I’ll probably reassess her minutes ahead of Matchweek 9.
I’ve gone with Leah Williamson as my third Arsenal asset. Despite the Gunners’ ongoing struggles, their Saturday fixture makes the England captain an easy hold. I can also substitute her if she blanks.
Williamson showed encouraging attacking potential against Birmingham, creating more chances than any other player and recording 0.32 expected assists (xA). That’s impressive for someone operating at centre-back.
Both Andrea Medina and Maya Le Tissier have moved to my bench ahead of the Manchester derby. However, I’m more than happy to bring Medina on if needed, especially after another impressive display on the left wing.
Manchester City have looked vulnerable defensively, keeping just one clean sheet in all competitions. There’s every chance Medina produces another attacking return.
Le Tissier is also a perfectly good third substitute. I don’t expect Manchester United to keep a clean sheet, but she’s earned a defensive actions point every Matchweek. Two goals in the Subway Women’s League Cup also highlight her attacking threat.
Unless we hear any injury news, I’m unlikely to make defensive transfers. If I were considering a move, Brighton’s Manuela Vanegas (£5.0m) and Gabby George (£4.0m) would be on my radar. Both play on Saturday and have favourable fixtures ahead.
MIDFIELDERS
Océane Hurtré has made a ridiculous start to the season! Her lovely finish at the Emirates last Saturday took her to six goals. She’s now one of just three players to reach 60 Fantasy WSL points.
Nobody has conceded more WSL goals than Charlton this season, making this an excellent fixture for attacking returns. If Lauren James is benched, there’s a very good chance I captain Hurtré on Sunday.
The two Laurens, Lauren Hemp and Lauren James, barely need an introduction. They rank first and second for points per game among players with at least two appearances. The introduction of attacking actions points has also made them even more valuable.
Hemp has an excellent record against Manchester United, scoring or assisting in five of their last six meetings. Meanwhile, James currently looks like my preferred Sunday captain. We’ll also know whether she starts before the substitution deadline.
Lisa Baum is the one midfielder I’m seriously considering selling. My longer-term plan is to build up to five free transfers by Matchweek 9, allowing me to target WSL2 players. However, that leaves me with one transfer to use over the next two weeks.
If I move Baum on now, Fran Kirby (£6.0m) would be my preferred replacement. Brighton have a fantastic fixture run ahead, and Kirby also plays on Saturday.
That said, I’m still leaning towards rolling both transfers. Baum faces a Tottenham side that has conceded 12 goals across its previous two matches. She also plays on Saturday, so she’s perfectly fine to hold.
Saving the transfers would provide some protection against injuries or other issues elsewhere in my squad. It also gives me another week to assess replacements. I expect I’ll sell Baum ahead of Matchweek 8 anyway.
My final midfielder is Daniëlle van de Donk, who currently sits on my bench. Hopefully, I’m not left with a difficult selection dilemma once the weekend gets underway!
Van de Donk ranks second in the WSL for expected goals (xG), with 4.1. Despite her impressive start, those numbers suggest she could have scored even more. At just £4.5m, she’s incredible value and someone I don’t need to worry about.
For anyone looking to strengthen their midfield, I’d prioritise Hemp and James before considering Kirby and Hurtré.
FORWARDS
After six Matchweeks, Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw has already scored seven WSL goals. She’s found the net in 12 of her previous 14 starts for club and country. Her expected goals total is also 3.0 higher than any other player in the league.
The Jamaica international remains one of Fantasy WSL’s most important assets. Even away to Manchester United, she’s a perfectly viable captaincy option.
Alessia Russo is another player I’m very likely to hold, despite failing to score against Birmingham. Her underlying numbers remain encouraging, with the Arsenal forward ranking fifth in the league for xG.
She also demonstrated her goalscoring ability during the international break, producing four goal involvements in two appearances for England.
After operating as a number 10 last weekend, I’m hoping Russo returns to her usual striker role against Tottenham. Spurs have looked incredibly vulnerable defensively, and Russo scored a hat-trick against them in their previous meeting. She’s therefore very likely to be my Saturday captain.
I decided to keep Olivia Garcia as my differential forward, and I’m delighted with that decision. At just £4.0m, she offers fantastic value. Garcia also ranks fourth in the league for xG, despite starting only twice.
Her performance against Manchester City on Sunday gave me even more confidence. Garcia played the full 90 minutes and scored, showing exactly why she could become such a useful Fantasy option.
Brighton also play on Saturday, giving me the added advantage of being able to substitute her if she blanks.
For anyone considering a forward transfer, I’d definitely look at Garcia (£4.0m) or Kiko Seike (£7.0m). Both could benefit significantly from Brighton’s favourable upcoming fixtures.
WSL2 PLANS
I haven’t discussed many WSL2 players in this reveal, despite the competition returning this week. While I wouldn’t discourage moves for Kaitlyn Torpey (£4.0m) or Martha Thomas (£5.0m), I’m personally planning to wait until Matchweek 9. That’s when WSL2 teams have two consecutive fixtures.
If you’re short on Manchester United or Everton players, a WSL2 differential could be an interesting punt this week. With only United and Everton playing on Saturday next Matchweek, you’re unlikely to need your entire squad.
For now, I’m happy with my squad and hoping I can build on two excellent Matchweeks.
Best of luck for Matchweek 7, everybody!
