From new signings to the title race: what to look out for as WSL restarts

Chelsea lead charge for the title

If last season was about Chelsea’s chase from behind, this campaign has seen Emma Hayes’s team with their noses in front. That’s not to say that their campaign has been flawless – the 4-1 loss to at the Emirates in December was a notable defeat – and they will be very aware of the obstacles in their way as they chase down their fifth successive title. They face a tough restart to their campaign, with Manchester United travelling to Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Their Champions League group-stage game next Wednesday means the matches are coming thick and fast for a team who also have to adjust to the absence of Sam Kerr as well as the captain, Millie Bright, who has no time placed on her return.

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Manchester City’s impressive run of form since defeat to Brighton in early November has been notable as they’ve clawed themselves up to second and are widely regarded to have one of the most potent attacks in the division. They are level on points with Arsenal who will still be kicking themselves for allowing Chelsea to open a gap back up. The confidence boosting victory over their title rivals was followed up by a shock defeat to Tottenham, essentially giving the Blues a free pass to regain their advantage. Both chasers will have fewer games to contend with which could work in their favour.

Tense relegation battle awaits

Things are also heating up at the bottom of the table with the promise of an intriguing relegation battle. For the last two campaigns, the team propping up the table have not got a single point before the winter break – Leicester City found themselves in that position last season before staging a remarkable recovery.

That is not the case this time around with Bristol City remaining competitive and in touch with the rest. West Ham struggled to find any rhythm before the winter break and sit above them on goal difference although they have already recruited well this window. Brighton have also been dragged into the mix despite showing encouraging signs under the stewardship of Melissa Phillips.

The next two weekends seem crucial in shaping the fight for survival. The Robins travel to Brighton while West Ham host a buoyant Tottenham before the current bottom two meet in a showdown at Ashton Gate.

Who will secure Champions League football?

As it stands, it looks like the three allocated spots for next season’s Champions League are set but situations can change very quickly in the WSL, as displayed already this season. Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal are currently in prime position in whatever order they end up.

Manchester United, however, will still feel they are firmly in the hunt. Their title chances look slim but there is only a four-point gap between them and third place.

The blow for English teams this season is that, as it stands, the champions will have to go through the second round of Champions League qualifying rather than directly into the group stage.

Winter arrivals strengthening teams

January provides clubs with the prime opportunity to strengthen their resources and West Ham have been active so far, bringing in the experience of Katrina Gorry and Kristie Mewis, as well as Shelina Zadorsky on loan.

Robert Vilahamn has also recruited at Spurs with the arrival of Shuang Wang from Racing Louisville, the Australian international Charlotte Grant and young Swedish star Matilda Vinberg.

Elsewhere, Sweden international Nathalie Björn has joined Chelsea leaving Everton in much need of defensive cover despite their recruitment of Rikke Madsen, and Kathrine Kühl on loan. Leicester City, Arsenal and Aston Villa have also made signings.

The transfer window remains open for another two weeks so expect more moves to happen.

Young players to watch

Young players have been making a name for themselves this season with managers showing willingness to give them the platform to showcase their potential. That is set to continue for the remainder of the campaign.

The academy product Aggie Beever-Jones has become the emerging talent at Chelsea. The 20-year-old has five WSL goals already to her name, cementing her role within the squad after spells out on loan.

Grace Clinton has been another to catch the eye on loan at Tottenham from Manchester United. Her performances have been rewarded with an England call-up, as have Khiara Keating’s, with the 19-year-old making the No 1 shirt her own at Manchester City.

Everton’s Karoline Olesen will be another one to watch over the next few months with the teenager highly rated by the manager, Brian Sørensen.