FA WSL Matchday 11: TV listings, full fixtures including Chelsea vs Reading

This new year brings new faces to look out for in the FA Women's Super League whilst there is no clear victor as the competition passes its halfway point.

On Sunday, five of the six scheduled fixtures will go underway. West Ham United's clash against Everton has been postponed due to a significant flu outbreak within Everton's squad. Nevertheless, the ball will keep rolling with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United facing lower opposition and a relegation battle match that you cannot miss. Brighton & Hove Albion will host Liverpool as the Reds look for their first win of the season.  Now, buckle up and let's take a look at the FA WSL newest signings and upcoming fixtures.

Match of the Week – Chelsea vs Reading

Chelsea's newest signing in Sam Kerr will bring all the attention to this encounter. Kerr signed a two-and-a-half-year contract worth more than $600,000 a season on November 13, and women's football fans have been counting down the days to see her in action. The Matilda led the Chicago Red Stars to an NWSL final scoring 18 goals in 23 matches and has won five consecutive golden boots during her time in the United States and the W-League.

As for Reading, its defense better be ready for the high-caliber bombardment that Chelsea will deliver through Bethany England, Fran Kirby, Erin Cuthbert and Kerr. Kelly Chambers' side will look to upset the blues with a draw or win to edge closer to that fourth place above Everton and Manchester United as it currently sits in sixth with 14 points (Everton and Manchester United have 15 points).

Chelsea vs Reading Broadcast Information

Kick-off time: Sunday, January 5 at 7:30 a.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. BST / 1:30 p.m. CET

Stadium: Kingsmeadow (London)

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

• Original Broadcast

Talk of the weekend – Rule 11.3.8 & a relegation battle

We will be touching up on two topics for talk of the weekend. We'll start with something peculiar about this week that has been brought up already in this preview, and that is Everton's flu outbreak.

The FA released a statement that said: "Player welfare is of paramount importance and the decision has been made to postpone the match in accordance with Barclays FA Women's Super League Rule 11.3.8."

A new time or date for the rearranged game are yet to be confirmed. West Ham released a statement on Friday informing fans about the issue. The hammers have not played since a 1-1 draw with Liverpool in early December, and fans might be getting anxious being just seven points from relegation and lack of play.

Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool will have an all-out battle for three points as both sides are playing with fire at the bottom of the table. Still looking for its first win, Liverpool will need to score a couple of goals to finally secure three points this season. The Reds have kept a solid defensive record allowing an average of 1.2 goals per game but have struggled offensively scoring a total of three goals and never two in a single game throughout the season. In comparison, Brighton has been less diligent in defense allowing 2.2 goals per game but scoring seven in the course of the competition. Other than future fixtures against Bristol or Birmingham, this is one of Liverpool's best shots at claiming a win and at a great time as a new year has kicked-off.

Major absences, returns, transfers and other news

Absences

Arsenal: Beth Mead (fitness test, leg), Danielle Carter (knee), Jen Beattie (fitness test, calf), Katrine Veje (foot),

Birmingham City: Brianna Visalli (surgery for a medical condition), Kerys Harrop (muscle issue)

Returns

Birmingham City:Sarah Mayling (returns from a knee injury, won't start or play 90' according to the manager)

Manchester City: Georgia Stanway, Pauline Bremmer

Transfers

Birmingham City: Emma Kelly (from IBV Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland)

Bristol City: Elise Hughes (from Everton)

Chelsea: Jamie-Lee Napier (from Hibernian L.F.C., SWPL), Sam Kerr (from Chicago Red Stars, NWSL)

Liverpool: Rachel Furness (from Reading)

Manchester United: Lauren James (from England U-19)

Tottenham Hotspur: Emma Mitchell (loan from Arsenal)

Other News

The Barclays FA WSL December POTM was awarded to Arsenal's Vivianne Miedema who scored 10 goals in three matches.

The Barclays FA WSL December POTM was awarded to Arsenal's Joe Montemurro who led his team to three wins out of matches and outscored opponents 17-2.

Kick-off time, date and broadcast channels of other FA WSL Matchday 11 fixtures 

Manchester United vs Bristol City Broadcast Information

Kick-off time: Sunday, January 5 at 7:00 a.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. BST / 1:00 p.m. CET

Stadium: Leigh Sports Village (Manchester)

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

• Original Broadcast

Arsenal vs Birmingham City Broadcast Information

Kick-off time: Sunday, January 5 at 9:00 a.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. BST / 3:00 p.m. CET

Stadium: Meadow Park (Borehamwood)

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

• Original Broadcast

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Liverpool Broadcast Information

Kick-off time: Sunday, January 5 at 9:00 a.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. BST / 3:00 p.m. CET

Stadium: The People's Pension Stadium (Crawley)

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

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• Original Broadcast

Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City Broadcast Information

Kick-off time: Sunday, January 5 at 9:00 a.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. BST / 3:00 p.m. CET

Stadium: The Hive Stadium (London)

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

• Original Broadcast