Manchester City, who challenged Chelsea until the final day last season, are now mathematically out of the title race and only have slim hopes of achieving a Champions League spot.
Even if City win all their remaining games – including against their neighbours – one win from United’s other two matches would be enough for them to finish third.
From next season, the Women’s Champions League format is changing, with the number of teams earning direct qualification expanding from four teams to nine.
The winners of the WSL will directly qualify, along with the champions from the other five top-ranked national associations.
The runners-up of the two top-ranked associations will also be guaranteed direct qualification, along with the previous season’s winners.
At present, the WSL is ranked second, external so, as it stands, the top two teams will automatically enter the 18-team league format, with the team in third going into the qualifying rounds.
