Emma Sanders makes her season predictions
Updates of transfers from across the Women's Super League
Man City in market for new midfielder, Chelsea could be active
New season begins Friday, 4 September at 19:00 BST as London City host Man Utd
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Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter
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Think people may be underestimating Man Utd here, got a really good starting XI and the manager, whilst new, won the title in Scotland over the Glasgow giants. Underestimate us at your peril.
Brandon, Halifax
Last season: 2nd in WSL
Mariona Caldentey of Arsenal celebrates scoring her team’s second goal with Steph Catley, Georgia Stanway and Alessia Russo
Pressure is on Renee Slegers and her players to deliver this season.
Arsenal have had a squad capable of winning the WSL for several seasons now and have fallen short.
They have invested in the transfer window, adding several big names and improving the squad depth.
Slow starts have cost them dearly in the past but this year they must get over the line. They have everything they need to do so.
Emma Sanders' prediction: 1st
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Winners: Manchester City, Champions League qualifiers: Chelsea and Arsenal, Relegation playoff: Charlton, Relegated: Crystal Palace
Pete, Welsh Border
Winners: Arsenal, Champions League qualifiers: Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea, Relegation play-off: Crystal Palace, Relegated: Charlton
Vicky, Bristol
Last season: 3rd in WSL
Melvine Malard of Chelsea celebrates after scoring her team's third goal during the UEFA Women's Champions League Third Qualifying Round First Leg match between Chelsea and Real Sociedad
I was worried about Chelsea’s squad depth earlier in the summer but the arrival of several attacking additions has eased my concerns.
They have lots of talent, experience and leadership in the squad, as well as a proven track record of winning.
I think they will challenge for the title this season after a disappointing 2025-26 and can go far in Europe if they reach their potential. I’m expecting a very close title race.
Emma Sanders' prediction: 2nd
Last season: WSL champions
lex Greenwood of Manchester City lifts the Barclays Women's Super League trophy following the Barclays Women's Super League match between West Ham United and Manchester CityImage source, Getty Images
It was a near-perfect campaign for Manchester City last season but they have other challenges to contend with now.
Champions League football means the squad will be tested more, while injuries have already struck in pre-season.
A quieter transfer window is not a bad thing but their rivals have strengthened and I don’t think we will see Chelsea struggle as much, or Arsenal have such a poor start this time around.
City are definitely capable of winning the WSL – they proved that last year – but I think others might edge it.
Emma Sanders' prediction: 3rd
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I'd say London City Lionesses have had the best summer but Everton have done well to bring in a proven goalscorer in Holly McNamara, who should be making waves this season and continuing to find the back of the net as a possible contender for the Golden Boot this year.
Adam, London
Last season: 5th in WSL
Tottenham Hotspur players react during the Barclays Women's Super League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium
Tottenham Hotspur players react during the Barclays Women's Super League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium
It has been a fantastic summer for Tottenham who have had one of the best transfer windows.
Martin Ho helped lay strong foundations at the club last season and now they have a deeper squad with more quality and a clear identity.
I think they will break into the top four, but could be a way off the Champions League qualification spots.
Emma Sanders' prediction: 4th
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I think Tottenham might replace Manchester United in the 'big 4'
Mandy, Sheffield
Last season: 6th in WSL
London City Lionesses
Lotta Lindstroem (L), Freya Godfrey and Saki Kumagai (R) of London City Lionesses celebrate the teams win
Lotta Lindstroem (L), Freya Godfrey and Saki Kumagai (R) of London City Lionesses celebrate the teams win
London City Lionesses have not signed two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and a host of other stars to finish mid-table but I think they need time to gel before challenging for one of the European spots.
This season will be a challenge for manager Eder Maestre to get a group of superstars playing as a team.
I think they will be solid and Putellas will shine, but Spurs might beat them to the ‘best of the rest’ title.
Emma Sanders' prediction: 5th
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I have watched so many Man Utd players leave. I have given up. Embarrassed to be a Red.
Ralph, Manchester
Last season: 4th in WSL
Manchester United
Jess Park of Manchester United celebrates scoring her team's second goal with teammates Ella Toone and Elisabeth Terland
Jess Park of Manchester United celebrates scoring her team's second goal with teammates Ella Toone and Elisabeth Terland
A harsh prediction perhaps given Manchester United have become a permanent fixture of the WSL’s top four but this feels like a big transitional period for the club.
They have a new manager in Eva Olid who has not been given riches in the transfer window and the squad looks thin.
She has been tasked with developing young players as part of a long-term project but United are in serious danger of being overtaken by other clubs. I think they will struggle this season.
Emma Sanders' prediction: 6th
Last season: 11th in WSL
Cornelia Kapocs of Liverpool (2R) celebrates scoring her team's first goal with teammates
One of my boldest predictions.
Liverpool had a fall from grace last season when they finished second bottom, largely due to a nightmare summer transfer window and big injuries.
But they have progressed under manager Gareth Taylor, who has instilled an effective style of play that saw them pick up points steadily from January onwards.
Their recruitment has been strong in the past six months and they have had a very good pre-season. I think they will surprise a lot of teams.
Emma Sanders' prediction: 7th
Last season: 7th in WSL
Brighton & Hove Albion
Kiko Seike of Brighton & Hove Albion celebrates scoring her team's first goal with teammatesImage source, Getty Images
Kiko Seike of Brighton & Hove Albion celebrates scoring her team's first goal with teammates
A team that many are predicting to be up there challenging for a top four spot. However, I think they might struggle more than expected this season.
The loss of manager Dario Vidosic is a big one and the timing – a week before the season starts – was far from ideal.
They still have a talented team but I’m not sure the depth of the squad is as strong as the teams I’ve put above them and they have struggled to show consistency for a few seasons now.
Emma Sanders' prediction: 8th
Last season: 8th in WSL
Honoka Hayashi of Everton celebrates scoring her team's first goal with teammates
Honoka Hayashi of Everton celebrates scoring her team's first goal with teammates
Ninth feels a bit harsh on Everton given they have had a shrewd transfer window, particularly strengthening their attacking options.
Scott Phelan did a solid job as interim manager and was rewarded with the permanent position this summer but I think he’s still building the team.
They might well end the season strongly but by that time, Brighton and Liverpool could have nudged ahead and settled themselves. I don’t think there will be much between the teams in ninth and fifth place.
Emma Sanders' prediction: 9th
Last season: 10th in WSL
West Ham United
Viviane Asseyi of West Ham United celebrates with teammates after scoring a last minute goal to make it 3-2 during the Barclays Women's Super League match between West Ham United and Brighton
Viviane Asseyi of West Ham United celebrates with teammates after scoring a last minute goal to make it 3-2 during the Barclays Women's Super League match between West Ham United and Brighton
One of my dark horses for the season.
West Ham have struggled for a number of years and haven’t been backed by the club in the transfer market.
Now, under manager Rita Guarino, they seem to be investing a little and their recruitment has been more tailored to her style of play.
They showed glimpses of what they were working on with Guarino last season and I expect a much-improved West Ham in 2027. It’s a long-term project though and it needs time.
Emma Sanders' prediction: 10th
Last season: 1st in WSL 2 and promoted
Birmingham City
Birmingham City women lift the WSL 2 trophy after the Barclays Women's Super League 2 match between Charlton Athletic and Birmingham CityImage source, Getty Images
Birmingham City women lift the WSL 2 trophy after the Barclays Women's Super League 2 match between Charlton Athletic and Birmingham City
My pick to be the strongest out of the newly-promoted clubs.
Birmingham City have been one of the strongest teams in the WSL 2 for a few years now and they don’t feel out of place in the top tier.
Another busy transfer window means there is more experience in the squad and manager Amy Merricks knows what the WSL is all about having led Brighton in interim spells.
It won’t be easy but I think they will settle in quicker than the other promoted sides.
Emma Sanders' prediction: 11th
Last season: 9th in WSL
Aston Villa
Kirsty Hanson of Aston Villa celebrates scoring her team's second goal with teammate Miri Taylor and Rachel Maltby
Kirsty Hanson of Aston Villa celebrates scoring her team's second goal with teammate Miri Taylor and Rachel Maltby
I worry for Aston Villa this season. I’ve been underwhelmed by their summer recruitment and I still don’t really know what their ambitions are.
They have lost their top-scorer Kirsty Hanson, who scored 44% of their goals last season and was comfortably their player of the campaign. Those are big boots to fill and I don’t think they have done that.
Natalia Arroyo is clearly a good coach with a creative and fluid style but Villa can also be a mixed bag.
I think they lack the quality needed to climb up the table.