Sam Kerr helps Chelsea regain top spot in the FA Women's Super League, while knockout football finally returns as the Netherlands resume competition.
England
Chelsea FC have returned to the top of the FA WSL after a resounding 4-0 victory away at Aston Villa. Sam Kerr can add another classic strike to her growing highlight reel, after the Blues forward scored a stunning volley in the opening moments of the match.
The high-flying West Londoners have little time to recover, with Alanna Kennedy’s Tottenham Hotspur travelling across town (Sunday 11:30pm AEDT). The Spurs have been in a rich vein of form with three straight victories in the league elevating them from 11th to 7th.
West Ham United return to action this weekend, heading north to face Manchester City (Monday 1am AEDT). Emily Van Egmond was on the scoresheet last time out with the midfielder sitting at the top of the Hammers goal-scoring. In defence the side from East London has been remarkably resolute as of late, thanks in no small part to their Australian 'keeper Mackenzie Arnold.
Just 30 kilometres down Motorway M62, Hayley Raso and Everton FC prepare to host the other side of Manchester (Monday 1:30am AEDT). The Toffees have been particularly strong against teams below them, however, struggle against those above. This weekend may change the trend, with United vulnerable after losing their hold on the top.
Caitlin Foord, Lydia Williams, and Arsenal side travel to Aston Villa (Monday 1am AEDT), hoping to replicate the same 4-0 result of their city rivals Chelsea when they travelled to Birmingham during the week.
France
The Coupe de France Féminine returns this weekend with three of our Aussies amongst the teams remaining.
Ellie Carpenter and Olympique Lyonnais travel north to the town of Reims to face Stade de Reims (Saturday 12am AEDT).
[MORE: Ellie Carpenter named AFC Best Women’s Player of 2020]
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Laura Brock has been given a favourable draw, with her side Guingamp hosting Le Havre, who currently sit last in the Feminine Division 1 (Sunday 1am AEDT).
Meanwhile Mary Fowler’s Montpellier head to the capital’s outskirts, facing Parisian side Issy FF (Monday 12:30am AEDT).
Netherlands
After over a month off, football in the Netherlands returns, with the first matches to be played involve the Eredivisie Cup.
PSV Eindhoven will welcome PEC Zwolle (Sunday 3am AEDT), with our Westfield Matildas Kyah Simon and Amy Harrison looking to start the new year strong. PSV have a fair amount of depth in their squad with a title challenge on the cards. Harrison and Simon may need to be fit and firing, with a spot in the starting side far from secure.
Spain
Aivi Luik and her side Sevilla FC, face the oddly named Santa Teresa (Saturday 11pm AEDT). The Seville outfit are without a win in their last three league matches, a home match against relegation battlers would lead many to believe Luik’s side will cruise to victory. However, expect a very tough and close affair.