Opposition watch (WSL) | Leicester City
We take a closer look at Leicester City ahead of this weekend's Barclays Women's Super League clash.
We return to Barclays Women’s Super League action on Sunday afternoon (2pm UK) as Leicester City are the visitors to Brisbane Road, with tickets still available to buy.
Here’s a closer look at the Foxes…
Form
Although the Foxes have won twice in the WSL since our meeting with them in November, they currently sit seventh in the table and have already matched their points tally from last season, having played seven less games. They’ve made history after beating Liverpool 2-0 in the quarter-final of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, progressing to the last four of the competition for the first time in the club’s history, signalling a positive start to 2024, winning six of their nine games since the turn of the year. Conceding 30 goals in the league so far this season, the Foxes have been most vulnerable in the final quarter of the game, with 10 of those coming between the 76-90th minute.
Player to watch
We have to start with Finland international, Jutta Rantala, who has certainly made a big impact in her first full season in England. The 24-year-old, who joined the Foxes last summer, scored the brace in the historic victory over Liverpool, taking her goal tally of the season to 14 (eight goals and six assists) and is the club’s top scorer in the WSL. Japan forward Yuka Momiki joined the club in the January transfer window and has already found the back of the net in the 5-2 victory over Bristol City, while also registering three assists in nine appearances. At the other end of the pitch is Janina Leitzig who brought a wealth of experience to King Power Stadium following spells in Germany with TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and Bayern Munich. There's also a familiar face in midfield – Josie Green, part of the squad that gained WSL status here at Spurs and joined Leicester last season.
WSL journey so far
The Foxes achieved promotion to the Barclays Women’s Super League for the first time in their history in 2021 after winning the FA Women’s Championship (FAWC) by eight points. In their first campaign in England’s top tier, they narrowly avoided relegation back to the FAWC, finishing two points ahead of Birmingham City, and then, in the following season, they also kept the status in the WSL as the Foxes finished tenth. However, after enduring two tough seasons, they have turned a corner so far this campaign, where they have already matched their points tally from the year before, having won four and drawn four in 15 games.
Last time we met
Celin Bizet netted her second goal in as many games to ensure we secured a point at the King Power Stadium with a third consecutive 1-1 draw in the WSL at the time. Belgium international Janice Cayman handed the Foxes the lead in the 18th minute but, after controlling large spells of the game and forcing Leitzig into a number of saves, Celin grabbed the equaliser 11 minutes after half-time, latching onto Martha Thomas’ through ball before a composed finish past the goalkeeper. Both sides had opportunities to win the game in the closing stages, but were forced to settle for a point.
How to follow
Sunday's match will be screened live on the FA Player. You can follow the game on our women's social channels - Instagram and X - and minute-by-minute text coverage via our Match Centre here on tottenhamhotspur.com. Match highlights and reaction will also be available via SPURSPLAY and tottenhamhotspur.com.