WSL preview: Chelsea, City, Arsenal to fight for title? Liverpool, Spurs in danger?

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The new Women's Super League (WSL) season kicks off on Friday with a huge game between champions Chelsea and title rivals Manchester City, before UEFA Women's Champions League (UWCL) winners Arsenal host newly promoted London City Lionesses (who are backed by the cash of Washington Spirit and OL Lyonnais owner Michele Kang) on Saturday.

The WSL transfer window ends on Thursday at 11 p.m.

Here are some burning questions.



What's more important to Chelsea and Arsenal: the WSL or UWCL?

Having fallen short for the past six years as Chelsea have won every WSL title since 2019-20, Arsenal's priority must be proving they can genuinely compete in the league.

While retaining their European crown and reaching another final will be high on their agenda, their league form has been disappointing for three consecutive seasons.

Being two-time European champions is a remarkable achievement, but their inability to sustain a title challenge and keep pace with Chelsea remains a major concern.

Arsenal must show they can win the league again; Chelsea must finally translate their domestic dominance into European glory.

Chelsea have won the last six WSL titles and have a superb squad. Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty ImagesCan Man City, Man United challenge for the title?

There's renewed energy around Man City as new manager Andrée Jeglertz, formerly in charge of Denmark, has implemented an open-door policy that encourages players to take ownership of plans and tactics.

City seem ready for that challenge, but United risk slipping further away from title contention into mid-table, especially if the added demands of a Champions League campaign come into play.

What can we expect from newly promoted London City?Former Olympique Lyonnais, Man City, Everton, Arsenal, Man United and Brighton star Nikita Parris has moved to London City. London City Lionesses

London City aren't here to settle for midtable, they're aiming much higher.

They have lost some depth, which could pose problems later in the campaign, but a strong start could set them up for a top-half finish.

West Ham United also have made some impressive additions and though they are unlikely to finish much higher than the ninth place they managed in 2024-25, they could pull off some impressive wins against tougher opponents and held both Chelsea (2-2) and Man City (1-1) to draws last season.

Which young (U21) players do you think will shine?play1:59

Smith: An 'honour and privilege' to play for Arsenal

Olivia Smith discusses her career so far in the Women's Super League after joining Arsenal.

With Man United's Grace Clinton, Man City's Mary Fowler, and Chelsea's Aggie Beever-Jones now beyond "young player" status, space has opened up for the next wave of talent to break through.

After her heroic Euro 2025 campaign for England, Agyemang will be one to watch.