In order to win the WSL championship, Manchester City Women must defeat Aston Villa in their encounter. A draw would possibly suffice, but Chelsea’s performance against Manchester United will decide where the trophy goes. Three points at Villa will be sufficient for the Blues if the reigning champions draw with the Reds. But if Emma Hayes’ team loses, City would simply need a point from their last match. Both teams could also win, but for City to triumph, they would need to win by three goals to one for Chelsea to lead United by one goal.

The last option is likely to be out and City will be relying heavily on Marc Skinner’s side to beat the West London side and give the title to their rivals in blue.

Form

Villa, who are guaranteed a 7th-placed finish, have picked up eight points from a possible 18 from their last six matches. They won their last game, a 1-0 win at Brighton, but have failed to win at home in 2024, drawing three and losing two of their five matches played this year. Their last home win came in December, when they again, beat Brighton 1-0, Villa’s only home win in the league this season.

City have won their last seven away games in the league, with the last three matches seeing the Blues hit four goals. Their last defeat away from home was in November when Arsenal beat City 2-1 in North London.

Team News

Villa manager Carla Ward will be unable to call on Daphne van Domselaar and Lucy Staniforth for her final game in charge. Rachel Daly, who scored two goals in the opening day fixture last season, is available and Lucy Parker is in contention for a place in the starting line-up after making a successful return from injury.

Jill Roord and Bunny Shaw are long-term absentees, while Sandy MacIver is also out injured. Similarly, Ellie Roebuck will bring her City career to an end on the injury table.

Prediction

While City will need help from United, I think they’ll do their part and win at Villa. They don’t seem like the same team as last season and the Blues should run out comfortable winners. In the other match, I can’t see United beating Chelsea, however, my heart says that match will end in a draw and City’s win at Villa will crown the Blues champions.

Predictions: Villa 0-4 City; United 2-2 Chelsea