It looks likely that a very familiar name will be on the Women’s Super League trophy this weekend, as Chelsea are in the driving seat to win their fourth successive title. The Blues lead second-placed Manchester United by two points and victory at bottom club Reading would clinch the title for them and seal a third straight domestic double after they beat United in the Women’s FA Cup final earlier this month. However, any slip-up could let United in. Should Chelsea lose to Reading, Marc Skinner’s side would snatch a first WSL title with a success of their own at Liverpool. United could also be champions if they win and Chelsea draw, although they would need to beat Liverpool by six clear goals in such a scenario. If they fail to win, Chelsea will finish top regardless of their result at Reading.
Chelsea have been pushed hard this season in what was at one stage a four-way race, but they have hit their stride at the right time, winning their last six WSL games, scoring 24 goals and conceding just once. Manchester United have enjoyed their best-ever campaign in women’s football after only being formed in their current guise in 2018 as a second-tier club and will finish in the WSL top three – and qualify for the Women’s Champions League – for the first time.
Former Blues defender Anita Asante believes Chelsea will get the job done against Reading, saying “on paper you would definitely back Chelsea to get a result against Reading”. Former England international Fern Whelan also thinks Chelsea’s remarkable record of winning WSL titles is proof they will get the business done in Berkshire. “They’re just continuously winning,” she said. “They’re showing they know how to do it and they’ve got the players and the pedigree and the coaching staff just to be able to pull it through right at the last minute.”
The final game of the Women’s Super League season is set to be an exciting one, with six matches taking place on Saturday 27 May. Liverpool v Manchester United will be live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app from 14:00, while Reading v Chelsea will be live on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app from 14:15. There will also be live text commentary covering all six final-day games on the BBC Sport website and app.