"With the WSL expanding to 14 teams in 2026-27, the bottom side will play the third-placed finisher in WSL2 for a top-flight spot next year. But that will be of little comfort for two teams who, despite their status and history, look ill-equipped for this campaign. While their records are similarly unimpressive, the reasons for their struggles differ. Two-time top-flight champions Liverpool's problems lie primarily in attack, while West Ham have defensive woes too."
"Beard's sudden passing - which led to Liverpool's WSL fixture at Aston Villa being postponed - will no doubt have impacted many in the squad, who knew and played under him. In football terms, Taylor has also had to do without Olivia Smith. The Canadian forward was a key player last season, scoring seven times in the league, but became English football's first million-pound player when she left for Arsenal in the summer."
"The Reds' 4-1 defeat at home to Everton on the opening day looks like an outlier. It is the only league game which Liverpool have lost by more than two goals - and the only one where they have scored, after 12 minutes through Cornelia Kapocs. And they seem to be further away than ever from ending that drought. Against London City Lionesses, Liverpool had three shots and none in the second half."
Combined records of Liverpool and West Ham United stand at nine games, nine defeats, three goals scored and 24 conceded. League expansion to 14 teams in 2026-27 will force the bottom side into a playoff with WSL2's third-placed team for a top-flight spot. Liverpool's struggles are chiefly attacking, with a new manager, Gareth Taylor, replacing the late Matt Beard, and the departure of key forward Olivia Smith to Arsenal. Liverpool have been light on goals and created few chances. West Ham's problems include defensive frailties. Both clubs appear ill-equipped to avoid the relegation battle.
Read at www.bbc.com
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