Barclays WSL: Everton Women Host Brighton Women in Crucial Survival and Ranking Battle

Match Background & Qualification Scenarios

The Barclays Women's Super League will feature a crucial clash as Everton Women host Brighton Women at Goodison Park. This match holds significant implications for both teams' league aspirations. Everton Women currently sit 10th in the league table with 8 points, not far from the relegation zone (12th-placed Liverpool Women have 4 points), making every point vital to avoid relegation to the Barclays WSL 2. Brighton Women are positioned 8th with 14 points, eager to secure a victory to solidify their mid-table standing and push for a higher finish, especially after achieving their best-ever 5th-place finish last season.

Recent Form

Everton Women have shown mixed form in their last five official matches. They secured a dominant 5-0 victory over West Brom Women in the FA Cup and a 3-0 win against Newcastle United Women in the League Cup, showcasing their attacking prowess. However, they faced challenges in the league, with a 0-2 loss to Manchester City Women and a 1-3 defeat to Arsenal Women. Notably, Everton caused an upset by beating reigning champions Chelsea Women 1-0, ending their 31-game unbeaten streak, a victory that undoubtedly boosted team morale. Brighton Women recently advanced in the FA Cup with a 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest. Their league form has been inconsistent, including a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa and an earlier 0-1 defeat to Arsenal. Based on overall league data, Brighton has recorded two wins, one draw, and two losses in their most recent five league matches.

Key Players & Injury News

Everton Women are facing significant injury challenges. Key midfielder Karen Holmgaard has sustained an ACL injury and is expected to miss the remainder of the season, a major blow given her involvement in 11 of 12 WSL games this season. Additionally, forward Katja Snoeijs is out for 4-6 weeks with an ankle injury and will miss this match. Forward Kelly Gago's transfer request could also affect her availability. Despite these setbacks, the team possesses vital attacking threats in Ornella Vignola, who scored a hat-trick in the Merseyside Derby, and Honoka Hayashi, who netted the crucial goal against Chelsea. Goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan is also considered a key player for the team. For Brighton Women, loanee striker Michelle Agyemang has returned to Arsenal for ACL injury rehabilitation, a significant loss for the Seagulls. Defender Maelys Mpome, who suffered a concussion in October 2025, is expected to have recovered and be available. Brighton's key players include the experienced and technically gifted midfielder Fran Kirby, a creative force whose transfer speculation has been met with rejected bids by the club. Forward Kiko Seike leads the team in scoring with 4 goals this season, and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is regarded as a world-class talent.