Can United, City or Arsenal dethrone champions Chelsea? – WSL talking points
Chelsea are looking to secure a fifth successive Women’s Super League title this season (Nigel French/PA)
The new Women’s Super League season gets under way with the opening round of fixtures taking place on Sunday.
Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the talking points heading into the action.
Emma Hayes has overseen Chelsea winning six WSL titles in total (Nigel French/PA)
After securing their fourth WSL title in a row last season – and third successive FA Cup – the simple question regarding Chelsea ahead of 2023-24 is can they keep their dominance up? While skipper Magda Eriksson and Pernille Harder were notable departures over the summer, there have been eye-catching signings such as Catarina Macario and Ashley Lawrence joining a Blues squad featuring stars like Sam Kerr, Millie Bright and Lauren James, who shone so brightly at times for England at the World Cup. With Fran Kirby back in the fold after injury as well, Emma Hayes’ side appear as primed as ever to hunt down further success.
Manchester United were Chelsea’s closest rivals in the title race last season (Richard Sellers/PA)
Manchester United had a landmark campaign last term, proving Chelsea’s closest rivals in the title race before ending up two points behind in second, as well as runners-up to them in the FA Cup – the best they have fared in both. It will be fascinating to see how the Red Devils get on in their attempts to build upon that in the WSL this season, particularly should they get through their qualifier with Paris St Germain to join Chelsea in the Champions League group stage. Either way, they will be without England striker Alessia Russo after she opted to leave and sign for Arsenal – but goalkeeper Mary Earps, her fellow Lioness, has
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