Newcastle United and Sunderland will both put their unbeaten league records on the line this weekend as WSL2 returns to action after a fortnight of League Cup fixtures. Two top-of-the-table clashes and one basement battle feature for the region's sides.
Newcastle target Forest test
Newcastle United may have lost all three of their League Cup games so far, including last week's derby at home to Sunderland, but they have a 100 per cent record in the league. Having only conceded one goal in five matches, Tanya Oxtoby's side travel to the City Ground to face a Nottingham Forest team who have scored at least once in every game.
Forest sit fourth, six points behind United, but are also unbeaten and will present a significant challenge. There were some murmurings on social media questioning Oxtoby's side last weekend, and while a knee-jerk reaction to a loss in an important game is understandable, their league record speaks for itself.
Sunderland's away test at Ipswich
Sunderland travel to Ipswich hoping to continue their unbeaten record after the high of beating Newcastle. Their hosts are also unbeaten in third spot and have had a week off following their draw, and subsequent loss of the bonus point via penalties, against Wolves.
Ipswich have continued their strong form from the second part of last season which saw them to safety. Last season the two sides played out 2-1 wins to the respective home sides, and another close game is expected.
Durham seek first points at Watford
Durham continue to confuse and worry their fans, performing better but with no points to show for their efforts, remaining at the bottom of the table. After a fantastic fightback last weekend at Burnley in the cup, they were thwarted by an injury-time winner from the home side, but they should be full of confidence despite losing to WSL side Birmingham in midweek.
Willie Kirk's side face a trip to Vicarage Road to take on Watford, who have played three draws so far this season and sit two places above Durham.
