Nottingham Forest W vs Burnley W - Women's Championship

The Women's Championship returns to the home ground on October 4, 2026, where Nottingham Forest W and Burnley W will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. Just as was the case in the previous meeting between the teams in April of last year, when Emery's side gave them such a scare in the Champions League tie at Villa Park, PSG were hanging on at the end.

There is plenty riding on this Women's Championship encounter for Nottingham Forest W and Burnley W alike, and neither will want to leave the home ground empty-handed. Results have been in short supply for the hosts, with DD across their last five and a campaign win rate of 0% that makes for grim reading. The visitors have been enduring a wretched campaign, LD in their last five and a season win rate of just 0% that leaves them deep in trouble. Goals could be in short supply or plentiful — Nottingham Forest W average 1.5 per game to Burnley W's 0.5, and that gap may dictate the rhythm of the contest. Arsenal also saw the importance of having good depth at right-back when Mosquera was forced to start the Champions League final with PSG out of position - which then resulted in the young Spaniard conceding a penalty.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Nottingham Forest W will look to impose their style on home soil, while Burnley W are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. Chelsea have been encouraged to consider a surprise move for Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, with former Red Devils midfielder Quinton Fortune believing the Cameroon international could suit their style of football.

Game-changers are scattered across both line-ups, and the contest may well be decided by which side's match-winners deliver on the day. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. It is acknowledged that there is little chance of them signing him from United, but Bayern are said to be monitoring the striker as a future signing.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 2-2 draw is easy to envisage. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Women's Championship standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. Manchester City will begin another Premier League season with major uncertainty hanging over the club after league chief executive Richard Masters admitted the long-awaited verdict on their financial case has taken longer than expected.