The Twelve: A WSL Podcast

PLEASE LIKE, RATE, REVIEW, OR SUBSCRIBE! The most affordable and effective way truly is to rate our podcast 5 stars or subscribe to our channel Crystal Palace just did something in the WSL that most fans have never seen before, the fallout could be a whole lot bigger than a simple fine. The Twelve breaks down the bizarre four-substitution-window controversy, the possible punishments, and why everyone from the hosts to the refs has questions. Then the conversation turns to a wild opening weekend: London City’s pressing game leaves Manchester United looking blunt, Chelsea survive a frustrating start to salvage a point against Aston Villa, Arsenal grind out a hard-fought win at Brighton, Tottenham announce themselves with a statement 3-1 over West Ham, Liverpool run riot at Charlton, Crystal Palace look like a completely different side against Everton, and Manchester City eventually put away Birmingham after a cagey first half. Deepti, Thom Bomb, Treb, and Nichollsodeon dig into the tactical details that actually changed these matches from Crystal Palace’s mistake or gamesmanship, to London City’s relentless counter press, to Chelsea’s strange selection calls, to why Tottenham might have the most dangerous attack in the league right now. They also unpack the performances that mattered most, including standout efforts from Kirsty Hansen, Lisa Bauman, Vivian Endeman, Lexi Lloyd Smith, and Yui Hasegawa.

The 2026-27 WSL season starts with chaos, and this opening weekend could tell us everything. From a headline grabbing Brighton managerial change to Chelsea’s Champions League stress test, Manchester United’s latest rebuild, and a newly expanded league that may reshape the title race, this is the preview that actually matters. Thom Bomb, Marc and Treb to break down the biggest stories heading into Matchday 1, including Dario Vidosic’s exit from Brighton, Arturo Ruiz’s arrival, Rebecca Bernal’s move to Manchester United, and the FA’s decision to let WSL academies compete in the National League. They also unpack why the new 18-team UWCL format feels like a turning point for women’s football in Europe.

The WSL season is about to explode, and this preview makes it clear which teams are ready to surge, and which ones are already under pressure. From Arsenal's brutal opening run to Chelsea's hot-seat tension, the panel breaks down the storylines that could shape the entire title race before the first month is over. Deepti is joined by Treb, Thom Bomb, and Nichollsodeon for a team-by-team look at every club heading into the new campaign, with sharp predictions, breakout-player picks, and the early fixtures that could make or break the season. You will hear why Leah Williamson remains Arsenal's constant, why Lisa Baum could push their attack into overdrive, and why that opening stretch against Chelsea and City may decide everything before autumn truly begins. The conversation then turns to Aston Villa's post-turnover identity, Birmingham City's promoted-team reality check, Brighton's search for goals, Charlton's return to the top flight, and Crystal Palace's chance to prove they learned from their last WSL stint. The crew also digs into Liverpool's midfield engine, London City's superstar-heavy rebuild, Manchester United's youth-first reset, Tottenham's transfer-window masterclass, West Ham's aggressive investment, and Manchester City's attempt to defend the crown with Bunny Shaw still leading the line.

Please rate our podcast 5 stars and leave a review. That truly helps the podcast connect with new fans of the WSL! The gang of The Twelve are BACK, grading every team in the league's summer transfer window

Plenty to discuss from last season which is why we split it into two parts. Enjoy!

The Twelve is back to wrap-up the WSL season! Thom, Treb, and Deepti give their analysis on the WSL relegation playoff match after Thom gets a chance to sing the praises of his title-winning team. They then talk through the Barclays WSL Awards and whether they agree with the winners. Finally, they summarize the season for teams in the bottom half of the table, listing positives and negatives for each, before previewing the FA Cup final between Brighton and Manchester City.

Join Deepti, Treb, Thom, and Marc in a episode that explores the disparities in pay between men's and women's football in Asia, the importance of equitable prize money, and recent match analyses from the Women's Super League. An in-depth discussion on recent women's football matches, controversies, and upcoming tournaments, featuring expert insights and analysis. 00:00 Introduction to Women's Super League Issues 03:00 Inequality in Prize Money: AFC Women's Cup Discussion 05:55 Player Perspectives on Pay and Representation 08:57 Impact of Pay Disparities on National Teams 12:10 Match Week 19 Preview and Predictions 15:09 Merseyside Derby Recap: Liverpool vs Everton 18:01 Manchester Derby Analysis: City vs United 21:01 North London Derby Highlights: Arsenal vs Tottenham 37:21 Tottenham's Struggles and Arsenal's Prospects 39:17 London City's Future in Champions League 40:13 Player Performances and Contributions 42:00 The East London Derby: West Ham vs London City 49:36 Chelsea vs Aston Villa: A Thrilling Encounter 01:05:36 Brighton's Surprise Victory Over Leicester 01:07:39 Brighton and Kiko Seki's Impact 01:09:16 Champions League Quarterfinals Recap 01:11:07 El Clasico: Barcelona vs Real Madrid 01:15:28 Chelsea vs Arsenal: A Tense Rivalry 01:16:30 Bayern vs Manchester United: A Competitive Tie 01:19:48 Chelsea's Tactical Approach Against Arsenal 01:35:17 Looking Ahead: Chelsea's Future and Transfers 01:39:02 Team Dynamics and Performance Analysis 01:41:58 Player Highlights and Match Strategies 01:44:54 Referee Decisions and Controversies 01:47:58 Upcoming Matches and International Break 01:51:49 Transfer News and Player Movements #asiacup #womensfootball #woso

This episode features an in-depth discussion on recent developments in women's football, including player transfers, Champions League matches, and league updates. The hosts analyze key games, player performances, and strategic insights, providing fans with a comprehensive overview of the current season. This episode covers recent WSL matches, key player performances, team strategies, and upcoming fixtures, providing insights into the current state of women's football in the UK. 00:00 Introduction to the Women's Super League 05:04 Catarina Macario's Transfer to San Diego Wave 10:13 Champions League Quarterfinals Overview 14:57 Arsenal vs Chelsea: Match Analysis 19:47 Manchester United vs Bayern Munich: Game Breakdown 25:02 Barcelona's Dominance in El Clasico 30:04 Looking Ahead: Future Matches and Predictions 33:09 Career Choices and League Preferences 34:05 Match Week 18 Recap: London City vs Chelsea 42:05 Arsenal's Dominance: A 5-0 Victory Over West Ham 49:09 United's Narrow Win: Everton vs Manchester United 56:32 Manchester City vs Tottenham: Bunny Shaw's Hat Trick 01:07:34 Brighton vs Liverpool: A Lackluster Draw 01:14:17 Lester vs Aston Villa: A Comeback Win 01:18:00 Match Highlights and Player Performances 01:20:54 Predictions and Standings Analysis 01:23:50 Player Transfers and Contract Extensions 01:27:00 Racial Abuse Case and Its Implications 01:30:04 WSL Trophy Rebranding 01:31:46 Upcoming Derby Matches Preview 01:46:12 Chelsea's Stadium Situation and Future

This episode explores FIFA's new mandate requiring women coaches in FIFA competitions, the impact on women's soccer, and the broader implications for gender diversity in coaching roles. This episode covers recent women's soccer matches, the political situation of Iranian players, upcoming fixtures, and the impact of politics on sports. Treb, Deepti and Marc analyze game tactics, predictions, and the broader context of women's sports amid global conflicts. 00:00 FIFA's New Mandate for Women's Coaching 19:09 Recapping Recent Matches in the WSL 45:32 Seasonal Performance Analysis 48:36 Challenges in Recruitment and Competition 49:01 Chelsea's Recent Matches and Player Performance 56:45 West Ham vs United: A Tactical Breakdown 01:12:58 Political Context in Women's Soccer 01:19:19 Upcoming Matches and Predictions 01:24:20 Match Predictions: Everton vs. Manchester United 01:27:08 City vs. Tottenham: A Clash of Titans 01:28:31 Brighton vs. Liverpool: The Battle for Points 01:29:36 Leicester vs. Aston Villa: Predictions and Insights 01:30:02 Champions League Quarterfinals: Arsenal vs. Chelsea 01:34:03 Champions League Quarterfinals: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona 01:35:05 Manchester United vs. Bayern Munich: A Critical Match 01:36:00 Final Thoughts: The Road Ahead

In this episode, we delve into the pressing stadium issues plaguing the Women's Super League (WSL), from waterlogged pitches to scheduling chaos, and explore how these challenges threaten the league's credibility and growth. We discuss the recent postponement drama at Broadfield Stadium and how clubs like Chelsea are seeking new stadium solutions. By examining the stark contrast between historic venues and grassroots struggles, we highlight the critical infrastructure gaps that could marginalize the WSL. This episode is a wake-up call for fans, stakeholders, and clubs to invest strategically in better facilities and smarter logistics to elevate the league to global standards and unlock its true potential. Topics: - Introduction and Overview - Arsenal's Matches in Hand 0:29 - Stadium and Resource Challenges 1:07 - Match Recaps and Analysis 6:46 - Managerial and Team Dynamics 11:41 - Champions League and FA Cup Insights 19:57 - League Play Predictions 36:13

Rate the podcast 5 stars and leave a review! This episode of The Twelve focuses on the Women's Super League (WSL) and its intersection with Black History Month. The hosts discuss the representation of black players and coaches in the league, share personal stories about their journeys into football, and explore the experiences of black reporters covering women's soccer. They also compare the fan experiences between the WSL and NWSL, emphasizing the importance of community and culture in women's football. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the intersection of culture and football, particularly focusing on how Black culture is represented in the sport. They explore the atmosphere of women's football, the importance of rivalries, and the effectiveness of anti-racism campaigns. The discussion also touches on the need for more celebratory events for the Black community in football, as well as the role of supporters in creating a welcoming environment. The episode concludes with lighthearted rapid-fire questions about favorite players and an all-Black starting eleven. 00:00 Introduction to the Women's Super League and Black History Month 02:26 Current Statistics on Black Representation in the WSL 05:21 Personal Journeys into Football and Women's Soccer 22:15 Experiences of Black Reporters in Soccer 39:54 Challenges and Opportunities in Sports Reporting 40:20 The Challenges of Covering Women's Sports 42:58 The Financial Burden of Independent Coverage 46:13 Diversity and Representation in Sports Journalism 49:01 Fan Experiences: NWSL vs. WSL 55:06 Cultural Identity in Sports Fandom 01:12:08 Addressing Racism in Sports: A Comparative Analysis 01:15:04 Promoting Black Players in Sports 01:17:02 Evolving Anti-Racism Campaigns 01:20:35 Engaging the Community: Fan Activations 01:22:31 Addressing Racism in Sports 01:29:01 The Role of Supporters Groups 01:30:20 Lighthearted Rapid Fire: Favorite Players 01:31:38 All-Black Starting XI Discussion 01:43:19 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Most Chelsea fans are feeling like their dynasty is crumbling—and one of the highest-profile power struggles in women's football just exploded. Sonia Bompastor’s contract extension was announced just before Chelsea unexpectedly fired their sporting director, Paul Green. The timing and details reveal a deeper crisis: shifting power, internal conflicts, and strategic chaos that threaten to reshape one of the league’s giants. This episode dives into the upheaval at Chelsea, unpacking the behind-the-scenes tension between management and coaching, the impact on transfers and squad building, and what it all means for their quest to win the Champions League. You'll discover how recent decisions mirror larger struggles for control in women’s football—and why ignoring these issues risks falling further behind. We break down the ambitious—and sometimes reckless—moves at top clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United, revealing the broader consequences of a league in transition. 00:00 - Episode introduction and episode overview 02:00 - Chelsea's recent leadership upheaval and power struggles 12:00 - Impact of managerial and ownership changes at Chelsea 25:00 - Arsenal's Champions League dominance and player highlights 35:00 - League standings and title race outlook 45:00 - Relegation battle and team performance analysis 54:00 - Key transfers, injuries, and player performances 60:00 - Chelsea-WSL structure and ownership insights 70:00 - Matchday predictions and upcoming fixtures 80:00 - The broader state of women's football and league expansion 93:00 - Celebrating Kim Little’s 400th Arsenal appearance 95:00 - Final thoughts, listener engagement, and closing remarks

In this episode of The Twelve, Marc, Treb, Thom, and Deepti delve into the latest happenings in the Women's Super League, focusing on managerial changes, team performances, and standout players. They discuss Everton's struggles and the implications of their recent managerial change, the competitive match between Brighton and London City, and the dominant display by Manchester United against Liverpool. The conversation also touches on the relegation battle involving West Ham and Tottenham, and concludes with a review of Manchester City's impressive victory over Chelsea. In this conversation, the hosts delve into the recent performances of women's football teams, particularly focusing on Chelsea and Arsenal. They discuss the tactical aspects of offensive and defensive plays, highlight key player performances, and analyze the implications of managerial decisions on team dynamics. The conversation also touches on the Champions Cup, upcoming matches, and predictions for future games, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of women's football 00:00 Introduction to the Women's Super League 00:31 Managerial Changes in the WSL 02:41 Everton's Struggles and Coaching Decisions 06:50 The Impact of Managerial Talent in Women's Football 10:57 Everton's Recent Match Performance 13:13 Brighton vs. London City: A Competitive Clash 18:30 Manchester United vs. Liverpool: A Dominant Display 29:17 West Ham vs. Tottenham: A Relegation Battle 44:07 Manchester City vs. Chelsea: A One-Sided Affair 46:29 The Art of Offensive Play 49:56 Defensive Struggles and Goalkeeping Controversies 56:27 Chelsea's Crisis and Managerial Decisions 01:06:44 Champions Cup Highlights and Arsenal's Performance 01:17:12 Upcoming Matches and Predictions

Today's episode covers various aspects of women's soccer, including match distributions, player performances, team dynamics, and league comparisons. The speakers discuss specific matches, highlight player transfers, and analyze strategies while also addressing financial aspects such as prize money and the challenges faced by teams like Gotham. The discussion reflects on the current state of women's soccer leagues and their competitiveness. In this episode, the hosts discuss the recent matches in the Women's Super League, highlighting West Ham's unexpected victory over Leicester, Liverpool's first win of the season against Tottenham, and a competitive match between London City and Manchester City. They also touch on transfer updates, the implications for teams moving forward, and predictions for upcoming matches. The conversation wraps up with reflections on the state of women's football and the importance of maintaining player health during intense competitions. 00:00 Introduction and Match Distribution Discussion 05:59 Team Strategies and Player Transfers 15:22 Season Performance Analysis 20:25 Match Highlights and Team Dynamics 26:41 Financial Implications in Women's Soccer 33:31 Prize Money in Women's Football 48:02 Financial Disparities in Women's Competitions 01:10:22 The Need for Investment in Women's Sports 01:15:57 Everton's Struggles and Merseyside Dynamics 01:25:28 Chelsea's Lineup Controversies and Tactical Decisions 01:37:33 Manchester United's Resurgence and Impact of New Signings 01:52:10 West Ham's Hard-Fought Victory and League Positioning 02:01:25 The Relegation Battle Heats Up 02:07:20 Liverpool's First Win of the Season 02:17:58 London City's Promising Performance 02:24:30 FIFA Champions Cup Recap 02:29:55 Arsenal's Champions Cup Aspirations 02:38:35 Transfer Movements and League Dynamics 02:47:12 Tribute to Catherine O'Hara and Team Support 02:52:56 Closing Thoughts and Listener Engagement

In this episode, Deepti, Treb, and Marc discuss the significant impact of losing access to crucial football data on women's football coverage, highlighting the challenges faced by journalists and fans. They review recent game results from the FA Women's Cup, showcasing dominant performances by WSL teams. The conversation shifts to transfer news, focusing on player movements and the implications for teams like Arsenal and Liverpool. The episode emphasizes the need for better data access, investment in women's football, and the importance of upcoming matches in the WSL. 00:00 The Impact of Data Loss on Women's Football 17:20 Subway Cup semifinals review 41:45 Transfer News and Player Movements

In this episode of The Twelve, Treb, Marc, Deepti, and Thom dive into the latest happenings in the Women's Super League (WSL), focusing on the January transfer window and its implications for various teams. Deepti, Mark, Tom, and Treb discuss significant player movements, including Arsenal's missed opportunity with Sam Coffey, who signed with Manchester City, and the implications of other transfers on team dynamics. The conversation highlights the competitive nature of the league, with teams like Chelsea and City making strategic moves to bolster their squads while Arsenal appears to be lagging behind despite their recent Champions League success.The hosts also recap recent matches, including Arsenal's frustrating draw against Manchester United, where they failed to capitalize on numerous chances, and Chelsea's dominant 5-0 victory over West Ham. The discussion touches on individual performances, such as Lauren James's pressing ability and Rachel Daly's resurgence for Aston Villa. The episode wraps up with reflections on the current state of the league, the challenges teams face, and the potential for upcoming matches to shift the standings as the season progresses. In this episode, the hosts dive into the latest matches from the Women's Super League (WSL), analyzing performances and discussing the implications for teams like Tottenham and Liverpool. They highlight Tottenham's decent performance and the challenges they face with player departures, particularly focusing on the impact of key players like Clearhunt and Koga. The conversation shifts to Liverpool's match against London City, where the hosts critique the new coach's debut and the team's struggles, emphasizing the need for a more aggressive mindset. The discussion also touches on the upcoming FA Cup matches, with predictions and insights on how teams like Arsenal and Aston Villa are faring in the league and cup competitions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Women's Super League 01:01 January Transfer Window Overview 03:06 Key Transfers: Sam Coffey and Arsenal's Moves 07:14 Arsenal's Recruitment Strategy Under Scrutiny 29:37 Match Recap: Arsenal vs. Manchester United 34:24 Looking Ahead: Arsenal's Season Prospects 34:53 Champions League Aspirations 35:33 Arsenal's Struggles and Frustrations 37:08 Player Performances and Fatigue 43:23 Recent Match Reviews and Highlights 49:44 Chelsea's Dominance Over West Ham 58:29 Tottenham's Narrow Victory Over Leicester 01:12:01 Tottenham's Performance and Player Departures 01:13:17 Liverpool vs. London City: A Coaching Debut 01:17:25 London City's Scoring Struggles and Upcoming Matches 01:20:41 FA Cup Preview and Fan Support for Women's Football 01:31:59 The Importance of Local Matches 01:32:52 FA Cup Predictions and Insights 01:35:21 Upcoming Matches and Team Strategies 01:39:50 Final Predictions and Wrap-Up

In this episode of The Twelve, the hosts discuss the latest developments in the Women's Super League (WSL) as they welcome the new year with fresh changes in teams and players. They delve into the Frauen-Bundesliga's decision to break away from the DFB, highlighting the implications for women's football in Europe. The conversation shifts to recent coaching changes in the WSL, particularly focusing on Liverpool's struggles and Arsenal's resurgence. Chelsea's commanding victory over Brighton is celebrated, while London City's disappointing performance against Leicester raises questions about their management. The episode emphasizes the evolving landscape of women's football and the importance of taking risks on the field. In this episode, the hosts discuss the standout performances in the WSL, particularly focusing on Bunny Shaw's incredible four-goal match for Manchester City. They analyze the dramatic comeback of Manchester United against Tottenham, the current standings in the league, and the implications for the title race. The conversation shifts to the Champions League, highlighting key matches and results, before moving on to domestic cup performances. The hosts also delve into transfer news, discussing player contracts and potential signings, and conclude with a segment on the New Year Honors awarded to notable footballers. 00:00 Welcome to The Twelve: New Beginnings 02:21 Frauen bundesliga's Bold Move 12:35 Coaching Changes in the WSL 18:33 The Impact of Managerial decisions 27:38 Liverpool's Recent Struggles 29:16 Liverpool's Struggles and Future Prospects 35:12 Arsenal's Resurgence and Key Player Returns 43:18 Chelsea's Dominance and Player Performances 49:29 Brighton's Inconsistency and Managerial Challenges 54:46 London City's Penalty Woes and Team Dynamics 01:02:10 Manchester City's Offensive Power 01:02:29 Bunny Shaw's Record-Breaking Performance 01:06:12 City's Title Hopes and Team Dynamics 01:11:45 The Thrilling Draw: United vs. Tottenham 01:18:19 Champions League Roundup and Future Matchups 01:25:11 Domestic Cup Insights and Team Priorities 01:27:33 The Lee Cup and Its Implications 01:28:40 Impact of Match Schedules on Teams 01:29:32 Women's Champions Cup: A New Challenge 01:30:37 Transfer News and Player Movements 01:32:36 Arsenal's Contract Situations and Future Prospects 01:39:50 New Year Honors and Recognition in Football

Give The Twelve a 5 star rating and leave a review to help our podcast get recommended to other fans of Women's football like you! In this episode, Treb, Deepti, and Marc delve into the latest happenings in the Women's Super League (WSL), discussing player rankings, key matches, and standout performances. They analyze the Guardian's top 100 female footballers list, highlighting its Eurocentric bias and the growing recognition of NWSL players. The conversation covers significant games, including the Manchester Derby, where City showcased their title contender status, and the surprising draw between Liverpool and Chelsea. The hosts also reflect on the rise of London City and Brighton's impressive win, while examining the struggles of Everton and Arsenal in their respective matches. Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of women's football in England. In this episode, the hosts discuss Arsenal's ongoing struggles in the WSL, focusing on their lack of second chance opportunities and the impact of injuries on team performance. They highlight Leah Williamson's leadership as a key factor in the team's dynamics and express concerns about the roster's limitations compared to top competitors like Chelsea and City. The conversation shifts to match predictions for upcoming fixtures, including the Champions League and domestic cup results, while also addressing the evolving tactics of Chelsea and the ongoing controversies surrounding VAR technology in women's soccer. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Women's Super League and Player Rankings 15:07 Game Recap: Manchester Derby and Player Performances 24:39 London City vs. Villa: Rising Contenders 32:55 Brighton vs. Leicester: A Statement Win 38:28 Liverpool vs. Chelsea: A Surprising Draw 47:45 West Ham vs. Everton: A Battle at the Bottom 54:56 North London Derby: Arsenal vs. Tottenham 01:06:30 Arsenal's Struggles and Second Chances 01:09:46 Injury Updates and Leadership Impact 01:12:52 Roster Limitations and Future Prospects 01:14:30 Match Predictions and Upcoming Fixtures 01:15:41 Champions League Highlights 01:20:15 VAR and Offside Controversies 01:24:34 Chelsea's Tactical Evolution 01:29:30 WSL Standings and Champions League Outlook 01:31:38 Domestic Cup Results and Surprising Outcomes 01:39:10 Upcoming Matches and Predictions

Please subscribe, RATE the podcast 5 stars, and leave a review! Takes less than a minute but helps the podcast get recommended to other football lovers like yourself! Treb, Deepti, Marc, and Thom Bomb are back with another episode discussing a controversial week of WSL matches with terrible refereeing decisions, upsets, and Tottenham showing they are who we think they are!

Dude, we got the band back together. And you know they had to talk about this press tour that Mary Earps is on to promote her book, in which she called defending WSL golden gloves winner Hannah Hampton out for taking her spot. The gang then pivots to recap MatchDay 7, including two high scoring matches that no one saw coming. Also it's official, Spurs keep winning and no one believes in them. They tally up points for the prediction game and there is a shake up at the top. The gang closes out by giving their keys and predictions to MatchDay 8. Be sure to follow the gang on BlueSky @thetwelvesob.bsky.social