What Should You Watch for in the WSL Post-Winter Break?

The Women's Super League (WSL) is set to return after a winter break, bringing renewed excitement as teams vie for crucial points. Manchester City leads the table, while Liverpool struggles at the bottom, desperately searching for their first win of the season. With managerial changes at West Ham and London City Lionesses, and new signings entering the fray, the upcoming matches promise to be highly competitive and transformative for the league.

Last updated: 10 January 2026 (BST)

What’s happening now

The WSL returns on the weekend of 10-11 January 2026, after a brief hiatus since 14 December 2025. Manchester City sits comfortably at the top of the league, six points clear, following an impressive run of form before the break. Meanwhile, Liverpool remains in dire straits, languishing at the bottom of the table with only three points to their name. This weekend’s matches are crucial for teams at both ends of the table, with potential implications for relegation and European qualification.

Key takeaways

Manchester City leads the WSL, six points clear at the top.
Liverpool seeks their first win of the season, currently bottom of the league.
West Ham has a new manager, Rita Guarino, after parting ways with Rehanne Skinner.
London City Lionesses appointed Eder Maestre as their new head coach.
Several new signings are poised to make their league debuts this weekend, enhancing competition.

Timeline: how we got here

The WSL has seen significant developments since the start of the season in September 2025. Here’s a brief timeline highlighting key events leading to the current situation:

14 December 2025: The WSL enters a winter break.
10 January 2026: The league resumes after a four-week break.
January 2026: The winter transfer window opens, allowing clubs to strengthen their squads.
January 2026: Manchester City maintains a strong position at the top of the league.
January 2026: Liverpool seeks to improve their performance to avoid relegation.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

As the WSL prepares to resume, several teams are making headlines, particularly with new signings and managerial changes. The most notable is West Ham's appointment of Rita Guarino, who aims to turn around the fortunes of a struggling team. Additionally, Tottenham has significantly bolstered their squad with five new signings, including Norway winger Signe Gaupset.

What was already established

Before the winter break, Manchester City was dominating the league, and Chelsea had shown signs of vulnerability, having dropped points unexpectedly. Liverpool's struggles were also apparent, with only three points earned across the first half of the season, raising concerns about relegation as they sit two points adrift of safety.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The return of the WSL will reignite interest among fans, potentially boosting attendance and viewership. Local economies around match venues typically benefit from increased foot traffic on match days. However, Liverpool's position at the bottom may diminish local enthusiasm unless they can secure their first victory.

Businesses and jobs

Clubs are actively engaging in the transfer market, which may influence local businesses that rely on team merchandise sales and match day incomes. Manchester City's strong position could enhance their brand as they aim for further investment and sponsorship opportunities.

Policy and regulation

With the appointment of new managers, clubs may also reassess their strategies and operational policies. There may be implications for youth development structures as clubs look to attract and retain talent, thereby influencing the future of women's football in the UK.

Numbers that matter

6: Points by which Manchester City leads the league.
3: Points earned by Liverpool, placing them at the bottom of the table.
10: Consecutive wins for Manchester City before the winter break.
5: New players signed by Tottenham during the January transfer window.
2: Points that separate Liverpool from safety.

Definitions and jargon buster

WSL: Women's Super League, the top tier of women's football in England.
Relegation play-off: A match or series of matches to determine which team remains in the league for the following season.
Transfer window: A designated period during which clubs can buy and sell players.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, clubs will focus on integrating new signings into their squads and adapting to recent managerial changes. Teams like Liverpool and West Ham will aim to secure crucial points to avoid relegation and improve their standings.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season develops, performance consistency will become essential, particularly for Manchester City, who must fend off challenges from Chelsea and Arsenal. Clubs in the relegation zone will need to start winning to ensure they remain in the league.

Signals to watch

Match results from the upcoming fixtures.
Performance metrics for newly appointed managers.
Transfer activity and player integration into squads.

Practical guidance

Do

Keep an eye on match day attendances and fan engagement.
Monitor club announcements regarding new signings and managerial changes.
Follow team performance closely, especially for those in relegation trouble.

Don’t

Ignore the impact of new signings on team dynamics.
Dismiss the significance of upcoming matches in terms of relegation battles.
Neglect to support local businesses that benefit from match day activities.

Checklist

Note the upcoming fixtures and key matches to watch.
Stay updated on transfer news and player performances.
Engage with club activities and local events related to the WSL.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The ongoing situation within the WSL is fluid. The performance of teams may fluctuate significantly due to new managerial strategies or player injuries. Liverpool's relegation threat is real, and early predictions may not hold as the season progresses. The impact of new signings will take time to materialise, and teams may still struggle despite recent changes.

Bottom line

The return of the WSL promises excitement and uncertainty as teams aim for crucial points. Manchester City is in a strong position to challenge for the title, while Liverpool's fight for survival adds pressure to the league. Fans can expect closely contested matches that may shape the future of women's football in the UK.

FAQs

What is the current status of the Women's Super League?

The Women's Super League is resuming after a winter break, with Manchester City leading the table and Liverpool struggling at the bottom, seeking their first win.

Who are the new managers in the WSL?

West Ham has appointed Rita Guarino as their new manager, while London City Lionesses have brought in Eder Maestre to lead their squad.

What are the implications of the January transfer window?

The January transfer window allows clubs to strengthen their squads. Several new players are set to make their debuts, potentially impacting team performance.