This has been a bombshell year for women’s sports. In the spring, the women’s NCAA title game clocked more viewers than the men’s basketball showpiece. In May, the Minnesota Frost lifted the Walter Cup as inaugural champions of the highly successful Professional Women’s Hockey League. And for the first time in Olympic history, the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games saw an equal number of male and female athletes.
Across the pond, the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) is preparing to follow up on a record-breaking 2023-24 season, where viewership increased by 41 per cent from the year prior. There are changes afoot in the league, most notably title holders Chelsea having a new manager, alongside updated fixtures and stadiums that will have fans licking their lips at the prospect of more exciting soccer. Arsenal and Manchester City will be vying to stop the Blues from a six-peat, while Crystal Palace will hope to turn heads after being promoted from the Championship.
Ahead of the 2024-25 WSL season, which begins Sept. 20, we’re taking a look at the questions each team needs to address ahead of kickoff.
ARSENAL: How will Arsenal regroup and deliver after letting all-time WSL top-scorer Vivianne Miedema leave for free?
It’s no secret that Arsenal is hungry for a trophy. Despite winning back-to-back Leagues Cups, the club’s cabinet has been dusty when it comes to the WSL, with its last league win coming in 2019. A lot is expected from Jonas Eidevall’s side, especially as the most successful women’s team in England, but the loss of superstar goal-scorer Miedema will make the Gunners’ campaign more complicated. The 28-year-old’s free transfer to Manchester City sent shockwaves among fans and left a hole in Arsenal’s central scoring position. Spain’s Mariona Caldentey has stepped up since signing a permanent deal with the English club in July, but time will tell how Eidevall plans to enliven his frontline for the long haul.
As Arsenal figure out the Miedema dilemma, focusing on consistent defending will be key. Thankfully skipper Leah Williamson has recovered from her ACL injury and will provide much-needed stability and leadership. Her ability to push the ball forward from the backline, making key passes and driving runs, is both her and Arsenal’s bread and butter. In the past, the Gunners have been good, but not quite good enough to rise above the top three. Will this be Williamson’s year to help her squad rebuild and defy the odds without Miedema?
ASTON VILLA: Will Aston Villa’s veterans step up in their twilight, or will they be the club’s “nail in the coffin?”
It’s no secret that Aston Villa’s key players are, dare I say, near the end of their careers. Defender Rachel Corsie is 35, midfielder Kenza Dali is 33, striker Rachel Daly is 32, midfielder Jordan Nobbs is 31, and Canadian winger Adriana Leon is 31. Last season, Daly scored less than half the goals she did the previous campaign, and Villa finished seventh in the league — a disappointing result by their standards. The question for this year is, will these key players bounce back to avoid a repeat of last season, or are their glory days a thing of the past? While Villa’s veterans are highly skilled athletes, the reality is that other teams have bubbly, young talent jumping at the bit to make a name for themselves. It’s hard to see Villa competing with that.
This is perhaps why new manager Robert de Pauw has brought in fresh, young stars to enliven his squad. Missy Bo Kearns, England under-23 captain and former Liverpool midfielder, brings a desire to succeed at club level and work for her spot on the senior Lionesses. The Liverpool-native loves to hold possession, fight through tight spaces and can play as a false nine when needed. It’s safe to expect this youngster to have a breakout campaign.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION: How will Brighton’s player and manager turnover impact its ability to have a comeback season?
Since 2022, Brighton has seen two managers and two interim head coaches enter and exit, with Dario Vidosic taking the helm most recently in July. Moreover, Brighton signed nine players this summer while nine departed, contributing to feelings of instability and significant change at the club. Why such turnover in such a short period of time, especially for a team with heart and a state-of-the-art training facility? It’s possible that Brighton’s become a feeder club, but it’s hard to know what’s truly going on behind closed doors. That said, Vidosic has made his intentions clear — to win the WSL. That’s a lofty goal considering the Seagulls’ history of trying to avoid relegation, but signing generational English talent Fran Kirby was a good start. The midfielder was essential in bringing home the Lioness’ Euro 2022 trophy, and will bring much-needed experience and dribbling ability to the squad.
However, Brighton is without a prolific goal-scorer. After letting Elisabeth Terland go, who netted 13 of Brighton’s 26 league goals last season, summer signing Aisha Masaka could be the next best option. But, considering her youth and previous experience in Sweden, it may take time for her to adjust to the English league. As such, expect Brighton to be slow settling in.
CHELSEA: Can new manager Sonia Bompastor achieve UWCL hardware, something Emma Hayes could not?
This might be controversial, but Chelsea don’t need to win the WSL to prove its dominance. Sure, a historic six-peat would be a welcomed accomplishment, but in the 12 glorious years Hayes spent with the club, there was one thing she didn’t achieve — European glory. To be fair, not winning the WSL would be a disappointment for the Blues, but winning the Women’s Champions League would taste sweeter than yet another English trophy. Is Bompastor the one to do it? While it may be too soon to say, the coherence and unity the Frenchwoman has brought to London is promising.
If pre-season is anything to go by, it’s business as usual. Topping Arsenal and Gotham FC, alongside routing Feyenoord 9-0 shows how quickly the squad has adapted to change and new management styles. It’s clear the 44-year-old demands dominance, and she’s got the roster to do it. Millie Bright, Sam Kerr, Guro Reiten, Erin Cuthbert, Catarina Macario, Lauren James, Mayra Ramírez and Canadian duo Ashley Lawrence and Kadeisha Buchanan are only a handful of well-known superstars on the team sheet. Bringing in powerhouse right-back Lucy Bronze from Barcelona was a statement move, because she strengthens an already world-class backline. But can Chelsea maintain its quality and coherence across the entirety of the season? The short answer is probably, but soccer is unpredictable and anything can happen. However, the talent in Bompastor’s repository certainly makes them frontrunners.
CRYSTAL PALACE: How will Crystal Palace translate its success in the Championship to the WSL, to avoid instant relegation?
Laura Kaminski’s side put up a fight at the end of the 2023/24 Championship season, winning the league by one point on the final day. But unfortunately for Palace, as a promoter team, it heads into this season overlooked with minimal expectations. This is something the squad can take advantage of, as Palace brings intensity not previously seen from teams coming up from the second division. Fighting until the final whistle and not losing focus against higher caliber teams will be important for Palace to implement this campaign.
Last season, Palace relied on a 4-3-3 formation with wide overloads and quick crosses into the middle. However, it’s unlikely that strategy will work in the WSL due to tighter pressing and its predictability. Instead, Kaminski could switch to a five-back for defensive solidity and to neutralize opponent attacks — especially from the wings. One of the club’s summer signings, Katrine Veje, a centre-back previously with Everton, will provide experience, composure and possession on the backline. Lexi Potter returning on loan from Chelsea is also huge, as her experience with top competition and ability to move the ball from defensive midfield to attacking positions will help the team secure points and thus avoid relegation.
EVERTON: How can Everton snap its goal-scoring problem to make its way back up the WSL table?
Historically, Everton has been a mid to bottom-of-the-pack team, bolstered by the fact they have a tough time scoring goals. Last season, Brian Sørensen’s side only scored 24 goals in 22 league games, a statistic that’s simply not good enough to compete with the top six. Last campaign, the reason the club stayed away from the relegation zone was due to its respectable goals against tally, holding other teams to only 37. But, Sørensen’s squad cannot rely on its backline, and must be creative and quicker up front if it wants a chance at rising the ranks.
Thankfully, Everton has recruited well, despite its dismal budget, in the attacking department. Toni Payne, from Sevilla, and Melissa Lawley, from Liverpool, add technique, speed and flair to the frontline. This fresh duo, combined with Everton’s possession-based play and ability to break, could help the Toffees find the net more frequently. Additionally, last season Everton had issues when it came to injuries, with many stars being out for a considerable period of time. If its players can remain decently fit, and they score more goals than last year, fans can expect the Merseysiders to comfortably avoid relegation.
LEICESTER CITY: How can Leicester City put the Willie Kirk scandal behind them, and become a WSL dark horse?
Leicester is still recovering after former manager Willie Kirk was sacked in April for an alleged relationship with a player. Despite moments of finesse last season, the Foxes had a disappointing end to the 2023-24 campaign, dropping to 10th place — most certainly a repercussion of the scandal. But, Leicester has taken positive steps by hiring a bright new manager and injecting fresh talent into the roster. But will it be enough?
Amandine Miquel took the helm in July and has made an immediate impact, most notably by gaining trust of her players. The 40-year-old is known for her humour and desire for success with a solid track record in French soccer. Notably, Miquel recruited Jamaica international Chantelle Swaby, a playmaker who’s mastered the art of breaking lines, alongside young English talent Ruby Mace, who brings physical strength and technical ability to the pitch. With a newfound sense of unity and stability, combined with a talented squad and a ruthless leader in Jutta Rantala, who was shortlisted for last season’s WSL Player of the Year, it’s safe to say Leicester could just be this season’s dark horse.
LIVERPOOL: How can Liverpool repeat its surging success from last campaign?
Liverpool has been up-and-down in the realm of English women’s soccer. From winning the league in the 2013 and 2014 seasons (under current manager Matt Beard, during his first spell with the club), to dropping to the Championship from 2020-22, to securing a fourth-place finish in the WSL last season, the Reds will hope to have claimed the top four for good. Landing ahead of Manchester United was no small feat, but Liverpool can’t get cocky. Sure, the team had an impressive season last time around, but with the quality of the league only increasing, there’s work to be done at St Helens Stadium. Being realistic, Liverpool will not win the WSL this campaign, especially considering the recruitment from the league’s top clubs this summer. But if the Reds can at least take points off teams like Arsenal, United, City and Chelsea, while beating lower-ranked teams, it’ll be well positioned for another successful run.
Beard returned to Liverpool in 2021, and likes the approach of combining veterans with promising young talent for starpower and longevity. Expect 19-year-old Mia Enderby and 20-year-old Canadian Olivia Smith to see the pitch more this campaign, two players known for their goal-scoring and versatility, alongside seasoned Norway striker Sophie Román Haug leading the attack.
MANCHESTER CITY: Does Manchester City have what it takes to finally reach the summit, after years of top-four finishes?
It’s diabolical — Manchester City’s first game of the 2024/25 campaign is against rival Arsenal and the former home of freshly signed striker Miedema. It doesn’t get much hotter than that, and while it’s only the opening match, it’s one with meaning and deeper emotions. However, it’s nothing that City can’t handle, as it’s used to being in high-pressure situations. Notorious for finishing in the top four but never first, Gareth Taylor’s side will hope that this is finally its year to lift the trophy at the end of the season — and it starts with a win against the Gunners.
If City want a shot at overtaking the crown, sticking to its lack of conceding will be key. The team had the fewest goals-against last campaign led by skipper Alex Greenwood, whose bravery and willingness to put her body on the line frustrated opposing strikers and prevented balls from going in City’s net. And while Taylor has a scrumptious list of players to round out the rest of his starting XI, notably Chloe Kelly, Lauren Hemp, Jill Roord, Yui Hasegawa and current WSL Player of the Year Khadija Shaw, adding the prolific Miedema is icing on the cake. Does City have what it takes to win the league? Certainly. But usually, a handful of unforced errors or a few missed shots is what prevents them from English glory. This campaign, City needs to lock in and play every game like a final, as one point could be the difference between happiness and disappointment come May.
MANCHESTER UNITED: How will Manchester United cope without its fearless leader, Mary Earps, as the club enters “a period of transition?”
While mainstay Mary Earps’ departure wasn’t surprising, it still hit the hearts of Manchester United fans. After five years and 125 appearances for the club, the trusty keeper signed with PSG in France this summer, citing that United “is about to undergo a period of transition” which doesn’t “align with the timing” of her career. Now, Marc Skinner’s side is without its star player while sorting out behind-the-scenes issues. Specifically, United have been slammed for moving the women’s team out of its training facility for the men’s first-team to use while their building undergoes renovation. Additionally, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United’s minority owner, previously admitted that a strategic plan for the women’s team has been put on hold while they sort out issues with the men’s team. Considering United just won the Women’s FA Cup, and has stood its ground in the WSL’s top five, it’s not a great look.
Nonetheless, midfielder Ella Toone is poised to take on a leadership role amidst her fellow Lioness’ departure. The 25-year-old has been with United since age eight, and has gained vital experience on the international stage. Toone’s consistency, passion and ability to produce clutch goals will be essential for United to have a solid season. Bright new signings Celin Bizet, from Spurs, and Canada’s Simi Awujo, from USC Trojans, will add additional spark and pace.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR: Will Tottenham Hotspur continue its slow climb of the WSL table, or fail to compete against top teams?
Over the years, Tottenham Hotspur has been slowly, quietly, climbing the English women’s soccer ranks. After finishing second in the 2018-19 Championship season, Spurs earned a rare second promotion to the WSL. In the 2020-21 WSL season, the London-based club finished eighth, while last campaign Robert Vilahamn’s side finished sixth, the best result in Tottenham Women’s history. But the question is, will Spurs continue its crescendo, or fail to make waves against the likes of City, Arsenal, United and Chelsea, who consistently reign at the top of the table?
If Tottenham wants a shot at top four, scoring goals has to be a priority. For context, last season Spurs netted 31, while league winners Chelsea recorded 71. But there’s hope, as at the beginning of September Australian striker Hayley Raso joined Spurs from Real Madrid. In her year with Liga F, the 30-year-old helped her side to a second-place finish and will bring UEFA Women’s Champions League experience to the team. On attack, Raso will likely take the right wing, with veteran goal-scorer Bethany England her partner — a deadly combo. It’s no secret this duo can unlock any defence, it just has to be put into practise.
WEST HAM UNITED: How can West Ham bounce back and win games after narrowly avoiding relegation last season?
West Ham United had a horrendous second half of the 2023-24 season. The last time the Hammers won a WSL match was in February against Arsenal, followed by a slew of disappointing results that left them second-last in the league and lucky to avoid relegation. This time around, manager Rehanne Skinner is taking the right approach — an overhaul. So far, 13 players have either transferred or left on loan, with seven incoming players resulting in a smaller group overall. Fresh blood and energy could be a way for Skinner to forget about the past and move forward with a new outlook.
However, an issue is that West Ham has a handful of solid players, notably Katrina Gorry, Viviane Asseyi, Riko Ueki, Kristie Mewis and Canada veteran Shelina Zadorsky, but lacks a unified structure and plan. In its 5-2 pre-season loss to Leicester City earlier this month, the Hammers started on the front foot but quickly fell victim to Leicester’s press. However, a few days before, the Irons narrowly lost 1-0 to French giants PSG. West Ham’s inconsistency, especially against less skilled teams, will continue to hurt its chances in the topflight if it’s not addressed. Developing a game plan — and sticking to it for the full 90 minutes — will be important in its opening fixture against Manchester United.
