WSL 2 promotion battle: What do Birmingham, Charlton and Crystal Palace need?

In the WSL 2’s final round of matches, Charlton and Birmingham play each other, while Crystal Palace are at home against already relegated Portsmouth.

League leaders Charlton will be promoted if they avoid defeat. If they lose, they will still be promoted if Crystal Palace are beaten.

On the other hand, Birmingham City will go up with a win. That would likely guarantee them the title even if Palace win as they have a better goal difference than the Eagles.

This advantage also means that if Blues and Palace both draw, the former will finish runners-up and earn promotion. Defeat for Palace would ensure Birmingham go up, regardless of how they fare against Charlton.

Finally for Palace the equation is simple. If they win they will be promoted and could also go up in the draw if Charlton lose. The title will be theirs if they win and the game against Charlton remains a draw.

This is the second consecutive season Birmingham have been involved in a winner-take-all game on the final day.

Last season they drew with London City Lionesses when a win would have sent them into the top tier at the expense of the Lionesses.

“This game won’t be easy, of course it won’t. I have no doubt that Charlton will approach it in the same way in terms of tackling everything,” Merricks added.

“Charlton are a good side and full credit to (their manager) Karen Hills and the job she’s done this season. I think she’s an exceptional manager.

“But effectively, we’re going to war this weekend.”