This weekend will see the start of the new Women’s Super League season. Aston Villa will kick of proceedings by taking on Manchester City on Saturday. The likes of Arsenal, West Ham and Tottenham start their campaign on the following day.
The Blues will once again be the side to beat
Twelve teams will be competing in the League with the current holders Chelsea once again the favourites.
Manager Emma Hayes has added to an already impressive squad by bringing some more key players. German international Melanie Leupolz, young Canadian star Jessie Flemingand Niamh Charles have all been signed during the summer.
Along with Pernille Harder from Wolfsburg-were she has won four consecutive German League and Cup doubles since 2017- this side are class. Harder, also starred in Wolfsburg’s run to this seasons Women’s Champions League final, which they lost 3-1 to Lyon.
Success already for Chelsea this season
Chelsea got their season off to a flying start last weekend when they beat Manchester City 2-0 in the Community Shield. Goals from Millie Bright and Erin Cuthbert was enough to see of City.
The Blues will be expected to retain their title once more and will be fighting on all fronts this season.
Gareth Taylor’s Manchester City were leading the title race when the season was called to a halt. City lost out to Chelsea due to points per game and will be keen to end up champions this season.
City strengthen their squad with big signings
Taylor, has brought in some big signings with USA World Cup winning duo Rose Lavelle and Samantha Mewis snapped up. City have also added Champions League winner with Lyon Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood.
Chloe Kelly has been signed from Everton- their top goal scorer last season- and is one to watch.
City do have a young squad with the likes of Kiera Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Ellie Roebuck. However, expect them to be pushing Chelsea all the way once again.
Will the Gunners be able to mount a realistic challenge
Arsenal, under manager Joe Montemurro finished third last season and have signed an exceptional left-back. Steph Catley has been added to the squad along with Swiss duo malin Gut and Noelle Maritz.
The North London unit have also signed goalkeeper Lydia Williams to their side. The core of the Gunners side remains the same as last season with Vivianne Miedema spearheading the attack.
Miedema was the leading goalscorer in both England and Europe last season and is a player to watch.
Arsenal have not dropped a single point against any team outside of the WSL’s big three in over two years. Expect Arsenal to be in and around the top three come the end of the campaign.
United looking to improve on debut season
Manchester United enter their second season in the Women’s Super League after finishing fourth last season.
Casey Stoney has put together a solid looking side and has added to the squad. Lucy Staniforth, Ona Batlle and Ivana Fuso have all agreed terms with United.
They like to play with a good intensity and with a fourth Champions League spot up for grabs, it could be there’s.
Reading remain one of the toughest sides in the WSL to beat. Kelly Chambers has recruited well this summer by bringing in two big names from Arsenal.
Emma Mitchell and Danielle Carter will strengthen an already impressive unit who finished in fifth place in the last campaign.
The Royals have brough in New Zealand International goalkeeper Erin Nayler to an already impressive back line.
Birmingham City under new Manager Carla Ward are in transition at the moment. Ward has added Northern Ireland International Chloe McCarron and Scotland Captain Rachel Corsie as well as Christie Murray.
City’s problems last season was scoring goals, something they need to address quickly this campaign, otherwise they will struggle badly.
Tottenham Hotspur enter their second season in the Women’s Super League after a successful debut season.
Spurs defied the odds to finish in seventh place last campaign. Tottenham have already added Alanna Kennedy and Shelina Zadorsky from Orlando Pride to the squad.
West Ham United
The Hammers have recruited well during the summer. No less than seven players have signed for the East London Club including Mackenzie Arnold. Along with Arnold, West Ham have also added Emily Van Egmond, Ruby grant and Katerina Svitkova to the roster.
Everton without Kelly have made some key signings
Everton, despite losing last seasons top scorer Chloe Kelly to Manchester City have recruited well.
French International striker Valerie Gauvin has been snapped up along with Poppy Pattinson and Rikke Sevecke and Nicoline Sorensen.
The Toffes could be one of the surprise packages of the season, if they start off well.
Brighton and Hove Albion are another side that could surprise many people this season. Manager Hope Powell has brought in Dutch International Inessa Kaagman from Everton and Nora Heroum from AC Milan.
Bristol City finished tenth last season thanks to a late surge of goals from Ebony Salmon. The Robins managed to steer clear of relegation just in time thanks to Salmon’s haul.
The Robins were very inconsistent last season and they need to improve on that front.
Newly promoted Aston Villa are going to be a side to watch this season. Last season were champions in the FA Women’s Championship and have recruited well.
Scottish International Chloe Arthur has joined alongside Anita Asante, Diana Silva and Ramona Petzelberger.
Most pundits have already written of their chances, but if they can hold their own in the top flight, expect some surprises.