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The Women’s Super League makes its return this Friday, with Chelsea aiming for an unprecedented seventh consecutive title – but can anyone challenge their dominance?
Last season saw Sonia Bompastor’s team conclude with a significant 12-point lead over Arsenal. Following a busy transfer window, the Gunners will be looking to close that gap considerably.
London City Lionesses are set to embark on their inaugural campaign in the top flight. The off-season also saw several managerial changes, including at Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham.
Prior to the transfer deadline, several of our analysts and presenters shared their predictions for the top three teams in the 2025-26 season.
Now that the transfer window has officially closed, BBC Sport’s women’s football reporter Emma Sanders offers her forecast for where each team will finish this season.
Given their remarkable streak of six consecutive WSL titles, it’s difficult to look past Chelsea as favorites.
Initial concerns arose regarding injuries within their attacking line – Mayra Ramirez will be sidelined until January following hamstring surgery, and Lauren James is also set to miss several weeks.
However, their substantial investment in acquiring United States forward Alyssa Thompson on deadline day effectively addresses this issue.
With the anticipated return of Australian superstar Sam Kerr, their squad remains replete with talent and a proven track record of success.
Arsenal have consistently demonstrated the potential to win the title but have struggled with consistency, particularly at the beginning of last season.
Their success in the Champions League should translate to a strong challenge this season, but they need to convert that belief into tangible results.
Manager Renee Slegers has a proven pedigree, and if anyone can unlock their full potential, it’s her. However, Chelsea still appear to hold a slight advantage.
The additions of Olivia Smith and Taylor Hinds have bolstered Arsenal’s squad depth, but concerns remain about whether they might still be slightly lacking in certain areas.
Under the leadership of new manager Andree Jeglertz, Manchester City have clearly stated their ambition to compete for the title and secure a return to Champions League football.
Their silverware drought in recent years has seen them fall behind, but when at full strength, they are capable of playing some of the most compelling football.
While I need to see more evidence before being fully convinced of their ability to compete with Arsenal and Chelsea, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be able to secure a Champions League qualification.
The signings of promising young players like Switzerland international Iman Beney and England midfielder Grace Clinton have enhanced their squad depth.
Although Manchester United have strengthened their squad with the additions of Sweden internationals Julia Zigiotti and Fridolina Rolfo, as well as England midfielder Jess Park, the loss of Grace Clinton and a perceived lack of depth in key areas raise concerns.
I had hoped to see more ambition in the transfer window to adequately prepare them for Champions League football, particularly when considering the business conducted by other clubs.
They possess a strong team and performed well last season, which should serve them well, but I don’t foresee them challenging for the title.
It might be considered a bold prediction to place a newly-promoted side so high in the table, but London City Lionesses are not a typical club.
They broke the world-record transfer fee to bring in France international Grace Geyoro for £1.4m on deadline day, having triggered a release clause of £430,000 for young Spanish international Lucía Corrales earlier that day.
Their squad boasts a wealth of players with Champions League and WSL experience, and on paper, it appears capable of challenging the top four.
The key question is whether manager Jocelyn Precheur can effectively integrate them into a cohesive unit quickly, but I’m optimistic about their prospects.
Everton, under the new ownership of The Friedkin Group, are another club that have demonstrated ambition in the transfer window.
Their move to Goodison Park this season can only be a positive development, and under manager Brian Sorensen, they have a clear identity in terms of their playing style.
After battling through the past few seasons to secure mid-table finishes amidst numerous injury setbacks, they now possess the depth and quality needed to progress further.
Brighton made significant strides last season under manager Dario Vidosic and have further strengthened their squad in the transfer window.
However, the departure of experienced England international Nikita Parris is a setback, and their relatively young squad will still need time to develop.
While they are capable of causing problems for other teams, they will need to maintain consistency to remain in the top half of the table.
Liverpool have experienced a turbulent six months since the departure of former manager Matt Beard.
The delayed appointment of Gareth Taylor as permanent head coach due to contractual complications from his time at Manchester City set them back, forcing them to scramble for new signings to bolster their squad depth.
Ultimately, they conducted some shrewd business on deadline day, securing Risa Shimizu on loan from Manchester City and making Alejandra Bernabe’s move from Chelsea permanent, addressing their need for depth in the full-back positions.
However, it’s hard to overlook the losses of last season’s top-scorer Smith and vice-captain Hinds, both to Arsenal. The squad appears thin, necessitating activity in January.
It’s difficult to assess Aston Villa’s potential after their disappointing performance last season, but I don’t expect them to struggle to the same extent this time around.
They have made some astute signings in the transfer window, with England youth international Lucia Kendall among a group of talented youngsters.
However, with manager Natalia Arroyo still early in her tenure, it may take time for her to fully implement her style of play on the squad.
Rehanne Skinner did an commendable job last season in maximizing her squad’s potential, and West Ham displayed improved consistency.
They also had a more successful transfer window, retaining key players such as top-scorer Shekiera Martinez.
However, I believe they appear somewhat lacking in midfield and still need to add more depth to challenge the teams higher up the table.
Many Tottenham fans have expressed concerns about their squad heading into the new season, and I understand their apprehension.
The transfer window was underwhelming, with defender Toko Koga and forward Cathinka Tandberg being the only additions.
New manager Martin Ho is a highly-regarded coach with a successful track record at former club Brann, but he faces a significant challenge this season.
Spurs have previously voiced their ambition to close the gap on the top clubs in the WSL, but they lost ground last season and have been slow to act this summer.
Similar to Tottenham, the depth of Leicester City’s squad is a concern .
They sacked manager Amandine Miquel just 10 days before their WSL season opener against Manchester United.
A flurry of late arrivals in the final 48 hours of the transfer window has provided some respite, but I’m not convinced that there’s enough quality in the squad to compete consistently.
With automatic relegation no longer in place in the WSL this season due to expansion, I believe that a more successful transfer window in January will be sufficient to ensure their safety.
Ben Haines, Ellen White and Jen Beattie are back for another season of BBC Radio 5 Live’s Women’s Football Weekly podcast. New episodes drop every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, plus find interviews and extra content from the Women’s Super League and beyond on the Women’s Football Weekly feed
Get the latest WSL news on our dedicated page
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