WSL 2025-26 Season Preview

The new WSL season kicks off this weekend and we're going to be in for another good season. There will again be lots to play for and now it's time for me to predict where I think each club will finish.

ARSENAL

KEY PLAYER: ALESSIA RUSSO

Russo scored 20 goals in all competitions last season with 12 of them coming in the league as she shared the golden boot with Bunny Shaw. If she can better that total this season, Arsenal have a good chance of closing the gap on Chelsea.

PREDICTION: 2nd

They should definitely start better following a strong end to last season and winning the Champions League should motivate them to go one better in the league. But I think they'll just fall short again.

ASTON VILLA

KEY PLAYER: RACHEL DALY

She may be heading towards the twilight years of her career, but Daly is still an effective goal scorer at this level. It was crucial that Villa tied her down to a new contract during the summer because of how important a player she is for them.

PREDICTION: 9th

Their strong end to last season will give them some momentum heading into this season but repeating it won't be straight forward after losing one or two key players over the summer. Because of this they could struggle.

BRIGHTON

KEY PLAYER: FRAN KIRBY

Kirby made a huge difference for the Seagulls last season as they recorded their highest ever WSL finish by finishing 6th. If the Seagulls are to have another season like last season, they'll need her to delive the goods once again.

PREDICTION: 6th

Repeating what they did last season won't straight forward as other teams will be looking to improve. But with a good squad and some good signings through the door, they could have as a good a season.

CHELSEA

KEY PLAYER: LAUREN JAMES

James had an injury disrupted season last season as she was restricted to just 17 appearances scoring 4 goals in all competitions. If she can stay fit and in for this season, she'll hopefully return to theight she hit two seasons ago.

PREDICTION: 1st

Their squad still looks as strong as it ever has done and having Sam Kerr back from injury has bolstered it further. Because f this they're only going to bag another title.

EVERTON

KEY PLAYER: KELLY GAGO

Gago was the Toffees' top scorer last season with just 5 goals in all competitions and she'll need to better that total if they're to kick on this season. With more competition in the attacking department, she'll need to be on top of her game in order to keep her place in the side.

PREDICTION: 8th

There has been very little progress from them in recent years and it's been mostly down to a lack of goals in the team. They have added to their forward line over the summer to increase the competition up there, but I don't see their goals return getting any better.

LEICESTER

KEY PLAYER: JANINA LEITZIG

Leitzig has been one of the reasons why Leicester are still a WSL club. She's kept her side in games many times over the last few seasons and she'll need to do the same again this season if they're to retain their status in the league.

PREDICTION: 10th

Their manager leaving on the eve of the season will have no doubt disrupted their preparations and their new manager will have limited time to work with the squad. But they should still stay up as there are one or two teams worse than them.

LIVERPOOL

KEY PLAYER: SOPHIE ROMAN HAUG

With last seasons top scorer Olivia Smith having departed, the reds need someone to step up on the goals front and Roman Haug seems the most likely player to do so. She netted just 3 times last season but with a good new manager in charge, she'll hopefully better that record and be the reds' main goal threat this season.

PREDICTION: 5th

They have lost one of two key players but new boss Gareth Taylor is someone who is proven in this league and especially near the top. They may not have the squad to challenge near the top, but they could still push for those high spots.

LONDON CITY LIONESSES

KEY PLAYER: NIKITA PARRIS

Parris will bring bags of WSL experience and quality to the Lionesses both of which they'll need if they're to stay up. She could prove to be the difference for them in their first ever season in the top flight.

PREDICTION: 11th

They've been on an incredible journey since their inception and it looks set to continue due to their financial backing. With some experienced and proven players at this level brought in, they should stay up.

MAN CITY

KEY PLAYER: BUNNY SHAW

Shaw shared the golden boot with Alessia Russo last season by scoring 12 goals despite having an injury disrupted season. If City and keep her fit and in form, they've got a good chance of challenging for the title again.

PREDICTION: 4th

Nick Cushing has had a full summer to bring in his own players and build his own team ahead of his first full season in charge. Losing Jill Roord is a big blow and because of this I think it will be another disappointing season.

MAN UNITED

KEY PLAYER: ELLA TOONE

Toone has been United's player of the season for the last two seasons and she'll be determined to make it a third after another successful summer with England. She has been key to United's rise up the WSL due to her energy and ability to both create and score goals.

PREDICTION: 3rd

Their squad hasn't changed over the summer as they haven't bought or sold many players. They still have a strong enough squad to push for a Champions League spot, but not for a title challenge.

TOTTENHAM

KEY PLAYER: BETHANY ENGLAND

England is arguably the only player in the Spurs side who possesses that moment of quality that can decide a game. She scored 8 times last season and Spurs will need her to stay fit and in form if they're to have a better season than last.

PREDICTION: 12th

Their ended a terrible season last season very poorly as they failed to win their final 10 games. I can see them carry that form into this season and struggle.

WEST HAM

KEY PLAYER: SHEKIERA MARTINEZ

Martinez made the Hammers more clinical in the final third in the second half of last season as she found the net 10 times to help them climb up the league. If she can carry that form into this season, the Hammers should have no relegation fears.

PREDICTION: 7th

They should be better in the final third now they have a clinical striker up top in Martinez. They have lost some important players but if Martinez can carry their form from last season into this one, the Hammers could be looking up.