Leicester and Liverpool Locked in Tense Race to Avoid WSL Relegation Playoff
While Manchester City dominate the top of the Women's Super League with an 11-point lead, the real drama unfolds at the bottom. Here, a tense relegation battle sees Leicester City and Liverpool FC desperately fighting to avoid finishing in 12th place, which would trigger a playoff against a WSL2 team for top-flight survival.
The Stakes of League Expansion
Next season's WSL expansion means no team faces automatic relegation. Instead, the 12th-placed side must contest a playoff against the third-placed team from WSL2. Historically, such matchups heavily favored the WSL side, akin to a Premier League team beating a fifth-tier men's club. However, increased investment in WSL2, driven by the carrot of three promotion spots, could make this playoff far more competitive than in past years.
Currently, Bristol City lead the WSL2 chase, backed by fresh investment from Mercury 13, but Crystal Palace, Newcastle, and Southampton are close behind. None would be easy opponents for a demoralized WSL team after a grueling season.
Leicester's Uphill Struggle
For Leicester, the challenge is immense. The team is winless in 2026, having scored just one goal in a 2-1 loss to West Ham. A recent 6-0 thrashing by Manchester City compounded their woes. Despite five January signings and a promising performance in a 2-0 loss to Manchester United, climbing off the bottom looks a daunting task for manager Rick Passmore.
The upcoming showdown against Liverpool on March 15th could be pivotal for both clubs' survival hopes.
Liverpool's Reinforced Squad
Liverpool, just one place above Leicester, have reasons for cautious optimism. A strong January saw manager Gareth Taylor named WSL Manager of the Month, while the club secured four permanent signings and three loanees. Key additions include midfielder Denise O'Sullivan from North Carolina Courage and goalkeeper Jennifer Falk on loan from Häcken.
This bolstered squad, on paper, should be enough to secure WSL safety. After a tough trip to Chelsea, Liverpool face a favorable run of fixtures against Leicester, Brighton, Everton, and West Ham before concluding with challenging matches against Manchester City and Arsenal.
The Mid-Table Contenders
Everton and West Ham also find themselves in the mix, with just five points separating bottom-placed Leicester from ninth-placed Everton. Everton host West Ham this weekend, offering a chance to pull away from danger.
West Ham have shown resilience under new manager Rita Guarino, who has secured six points from a possible 12 since her winter break appointment. A thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Brighton, alongside January signings like Ria Bose and Estelle Cascarino, has boosted morale and quality.
Everton's turnaround is less clear-cut, with manager Brian Sørensen's departure after their first home win raising eyebrows. Interim boss Scott Phelan has steadied the ship, but with only three loan additions in January, maintaining momentum remains a question.
An Unpredictable Race
With opinions shifting daily on who might finish bottom, this relegation battle offers genuine excitement in a season where the title race has become a procession. The combination of league expansion, rising WSL2 investment, and tightly packed teams ensures that every match carries significant jeopardy for those at the foot of the table.
