The new WSL season is here!

I’m  on the move today, heading up to the Emirates to watch Arsenals first game of the new WSL season against Liverpool. I think it’s fair to say that I’m excited but then I’m well within my rights. This Sunday sees the start of a brand new season and after the last 18 months of celebratory love for the Lionesses, this season is predicted to be the most well attended by fans. And the fans have a lot to look forward to! The WSL has, in not just my opinion, become the most competitive league in Europe - if not the world - with the prospect of at least 5 teams capable of winning it this year. After the excitement of the transfer period that only ended a few weeks ago and included Arsenal snagging Alessia Russo from Man United and an audacious attempt to lure England’s star keeper Mary Earps with her to the Emirates, the Gunners are well backed to be the team to push and topple the mighty Chelsea this season and prevent Emma Hayes side from winning a 5th straight title. To be honest I think Arsenal might just do it, with a host of new players arriving and with the likes of Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema coming back from injury the squad depth is simply exquisite. And after the recent galling defeat in the qualifying stages of the Champions League I can see Arsenal picking up a few domestic trophies this season. The only risk will be what we saw in that defeat by Paris FC in which the team showed lethargy after so many of them had only just come back from the World Cup, and they haven’t had time to gel yet. 

Surprisingly, or not, Chelsea have made very few changes to their squad, the most noticeable being the loss of Erikseen and Harder to Bayern Munich. Hayes hasn’t really replaced them with big name signing, instead focussing on signing keepers and German midfielder Nusken, and the addition of Canadian Ashley Lawrence will certainly bolster her defence too. Her focus this year must surely be entirely on the WCL, missing out in the semis last year to Barca hurt and I think if Chelsea want to keep stars like Kerr and James they absolutely must make it to the final this season. This may well be one of the reasons I don’t believe they will make it 5 in a row in the WSL as they prioritise Champions League games. 

It is certainly an open competition this season and with record signings, including World Cup golden boot winner Hinata arriving to replace Russo at Man United, they will also want to have a say in how the title is decided especially after coming close last season. If United can keep Earps beyond the January window then I’m confident they will be in the mix at the tail end of the year. My other predictions for top 5 have to go to Villa and City. Villa have made some clever signings particularly one to watch is Ebony Salmon, and if Daly can continue her form as a 9 that saw her lift that golden boot last season and get her that Ballon d’or nomination, then Villa will surely cause some upsets and could well challenge for top 3. 

City have not made a lot of changes, the only notable signing they made was Jill Roode who is a phenomenal player and I can see her linking up well with Kelly, Hemp and of course Bunny Shaw. I don’t doubt their attacking ability but City’s defence was a little bit wobbly last season, they were 4th in this respect with a gap of 9 goals to 3rd most leakiest team Arsenal, so they will need to tighten up if they want to make an impact and improve on their 4th place league finish last season. 

Finally I’d like to mention Brighton, who have made some fantastic signings in the window, with Portuguese star Tatiana Pinto, German striker Pauline Bremer and Spanish midfielder Vicky Losanda added to their squad, it’s possible with these classy signing Brighton could challenge for top 6 and will undoubtedly be responsible for some shock results this season - and with Arsenal as their potential last game of the season (tbc) they could well have a say in how the title is decided. 

Needless to say I can’t wait for it all to kick off! 


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