Women’s Super League preview: Will Chelsea secure the five-peat?
After being pushed again because of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, English topflight soccer is about to return on Sunday.
In May, Chelsea secured its fourth straight title after topping the desk with 58 factors. Manchester United weren’t far off with 56 factors, whereas Arsenal claimed third place with 47 factors. Considering the league’s wealth of expertise and high-profile signings because the World Cup, this yr’s marketing campaign will certainly be simply as entertaining and dramatic as years previous.
Read on for all the things it’s essential know in regards to the 2023-24 WSL season.
How the WSL season works
Many family golf equipment will compete on this yr’s home marketing campaign, together with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham and West Ham United. This time round, the 12-team league is accomplished by Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Bristol City (promoted from the Women’s Championship), Everton and Leicester City. At the tip of final season, Reading was relegated to the Championship after ending final with 11 factors.
This WSL season is 22 video games lengthy with golf equipment taking part in one another each dwelling and away each Sunday from now till May (excluding the ultimate day, which takes place on Saturday, May 18, 2024).
The group with essentially the most factors will probably be topped the winners of the English league. At the tip of the marketing campaign, the highest two groups will even qualify for the second spherical of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, whereas the third-place group will qualify for the UWCL first spherical. The final place group will probably be relegated to the Championship.
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Chelsea goals to proceed dominance
After incomes their fourth WSL title in a row final marketing campaign, in addition to a 3rd consecutive FA Cup, Chelsea stays a agency favorite to raise the trophy as soon as extra.
Despite prolific goal-scorer Pernille Harder and skipper Magda Eriksson departing this summer season (each joined Bayern Munich), new signings Catarina Macario and Canadian worldwide Ashley Lawrence will add depth to each the entrance and backlines.
Other massive names like Sam Kerr, Millie Bright and Lauren James — who had standout World Cups for Australia and England — alongside Fran Kirby being again from harm, make Emma Hayes’ facet a drive to be reckoned with. The squad’s adversity and skill to win matches when not taking part in their finest makes them a continuing menace.
Don’t underestimate Arsenal and Manchester City
While Chelsea has a very good shot at profitable the league as soon as extra, soccer is unpredictable and momentum is all the things — which Arsenal and Manchester City each have.
The Gunners completed third within the WSL final season however did so with out star gamers Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema. Now each are coming back from harm, and new expertise offers Jonas Eidevall’s facet purpose to be optimistic. Swedish defender Amanda Ilestedt joined the fold from PSG, Matilda’s star Kyra Cooney-Cross from Hammarby IF, and Canadian striker Cloé Lacasse from Benfica. Captain Leah Williamson can be set to return later within the marketing campaign, which is able to add further depth and management that’s important because the season progresses.
City however had a comparatively steady switch window. After dropping Hayley Raso to Real Madrid, Dutch worldwide Jill Roord arrived at Joie Stadium from Wolfsburg. This a lot wanted stability might show important for the Blues, who’ve had additional time to coach as an entire squad than different groups. With 2022-23 WSL silver boot winner Khadija Shaw on assault and English linchpin Alex Greenwood on the backline, Gareth Taylor’s facet will look to problem Chelsea for the title.
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Canadians within the WSL
In addition to Lawrence and Lacasse, there are a handful of different Canadians to be careful for this marketing campaign.
Joining Lawrence at Chelsea is Jessie Fleming and Kadeisha Buchanan. In her first season with Chelsea in 2021-22, Fleming solidified her spot as a vital member of Hayes’ midfield. Buchanan is getting into her second season at Kingsmeadow after making 28 appearances in her maiden marketing campaign.
Keeper Sabrina D’Angelo stays with Arsenal after signing from Vittsjö in January. The 30-year-old made her debut for the Gunners on Jan. 26 in a 3-0 win in opposition to Aston Villa within the FA Women’s League Cup.
After recovering from hip surgical procedure final fall, Jayde Riviere made her debut for Manchester United on the finish of final season. However, Riviere didn’t take part in Canada’s two-match Olympic qualifier in opposition to Jamaica final week as a result of harm, so it’s unclear when she’ll go well with up for the Reds subsequent.
In August, veteran Shelina Zadorsky signed a one-year extension with Tottenham, retaining her on the membership till June 2024. Her defensive presence and expertise will assist the Spurs work to beat their generally shaky backline.
Lastly, Adriana Leon just lately joined Aston Villa from Manchester United, whereas Deanne Rose signed for Leicester City from Reading. While Rose was additionally absent from Canada’s final camp as a result of harm, each athletes will certainly look to make an influence for his or her respective golf equipment this season.
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