The Women’s Super League returns with Chelsea looking to defend their title against strong competition from Manchester City and Arsenal. Key opening matches include Chelsea vs. Man City, Arsenal vs. London City Lionesses, Tottenham vs. West Ham, Man United vs. Leicester, Liverpool vs. Everton, and Brighton vs. Aston Villa. The Opta supercomputer provides predictions for each game, highlighting key players and team form.
The Women's Super League (WSL) is back, promising a season filled with intrigue, new faces, and fierce competition. After an off-season of significant changes, teams are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling campaign. Sonia Bompastor enjoyed a dream start at Chelsea, clinching the title in her debut season. However, the question is whether she can replicate that success in her second year. Manchester City, under new management, and Champions League winners Arsenal are poised to challenge Chelsea's dominance.
The season kicks off with a blockbuster clash between Chelsea and Manchester City. This match presents a tough challenge for Andree Jeglertz, who takes charge of City for the first time. Meanwhile, Arsenal will host newly-promoted London City Lionesses, who have invested heavily in new signings to ensure their survival in the top flight. Manchester United will be eager to make a strong statement against Leicester City, aiming to keep the pressure on the title contenders. Gareth Taylor also returns to the WSL, managing Liverpool in a highly-anticipated Merseyside derby.
The Opta supercomputer has analyzed the data to provide predictions for the opening matches:
Chelsea vs. Manchester City
The 2025-26 season commences with a high-stakes encounter between title hopefuls Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. Last season, City's points-per-game rate was their worst since 2014, but with Jeglertz now at the helm, they aim to disrupt Chelsea's unbeaten home record from 2024-25.
These two teams clashed five times across all competitions last season, with Chelsea winning four of those encounters. Chelsea has a strong home record against City, winning six of their last seven matches. However, City did secure a 1-0 away victory in February of last year, marking Chelsea's only home defeat in their last 48 league games.
The Opta supercomputer gives Chelsea a 61.3% chance of winning, while City's chances of an upset stand at 18.3%. A draw is considered slightly more likely, with a 20.4% probability.
Arsenal vs. London City Lionesses
London City Lionesses will make history as the 20th different team to compete in the WSL. They begin their campaign with a derby against Arsenal, the previous season's runners-up.
Historically, debuting teams struggle in their first match, and the supercomputer predicts London City will continue this trend, giving them only a 3.9% chance of victory. Arsenal is heavily favored, with an 88.9% chance of winning. Arsenal has an impressive record against newly-promoted teams, remaining unbeaten in their last 27 WSL games.
Despite London City having lost all five of their previous meetings with Arsenal, there is a glimmer of hope. Arsenal has failed to win their opening game in the last two seasons, suffering a loss to Liverpool in 2023-24 and a draw against Manchester City in 2024-25.
Tottenham vs. West Ham
Tottenham aims to rebound from a disappointing 2024-25 season, starting with a London derby against West Ham. After a winless streak of 10 matches, Martin Ho will be eager to secure a victory. History is on Spurs' side, as they have won their season opener in three of the last four WSL campaigns. West Ham, however, seeks to win consecutive WSL games against Spurs for the first time after their 2-0 victory in March.
The supercomputer gives Spurs a 46.9% chance of winning, while West Ham's chances are at 26.7%. Shekiera Martinez, who scored 10 goals in just 12 matches last season, will be key to West Ham's hopes.
Manchester United vs. Leicester City
Manchester United, after finishing third last season, are considered outside contenders for the title and are expected to begin their season with a win against managerless Leicester City. United's chances of a win are estimated at 80.1%, while Leicester's chances of a strong start are a mere 7.7%. The Red Devils have a perfect record against Leicester, remaining unbeaten in eight WSL meetings. Leicester's woes are compounded by the recent departure of their manager, Amandine Miquel, and their winless streak in 16 WSL away games.
Liverpool vs. Everton
Sunday's action includes a Merseyside derby, with Taylor making his debut as Liverpool manager against Everton. Taylor has a strong record against Everton, winning eight of his nine previous WSL encounters. Liverpool is favored to win, with a 50.2% probability. However, Liverpool is winless in their last seven top-flight meetings with Everton. Everton's chances of a win are 24.6%. Toffees need to contain Marie-Therese Hobinger, who created a record 47 chances for Liverpool last season.
Brighton vs. Aston Villa
Brighton, after a surprising start to last season, kick off against Aston Villa. They achieved their best WSL season in 2024-25, winning the most matches and recording their highest finish. However, they won just one of their final six home matches. Brighton is favored with a 43.1% chance of winning. Villa should not be underestimated, as they finished the campaign with a five-match winning streak, their longest in the competition. Rachel Daly will be a key player for Villa, having scored more goals against Brighton than any other opponent last season.