Women's Super League 2024/5: Your guide to the new season

Who are you supporting in this years Women's Super League?

The Women's Super League (WSL) is back on Friday and is sure to be another exciting season of football for its fans.

Last year saw Chelsea continue their reign as champions, and take their fifth title in a row, securing their league victory with a 6-0 win against Manchester United.

But, what can we expect this season? Keep reading to find out.

What is the Women's Super League?

Chelsea took the win last year, but will they be the winners this year?

The WSL had its first season in 2011 and replaced the FA Women's Premier League National Division.

There are 12 teams in the Women's Super League, and only Chelsea and Arsenal have played in every season so far.

Each team will play the 11 other teams twice, once at home and once away - meaning that each team plays 22 matches in total.

Changes to the WSL this season

The competition will be organised by a new company this year...

The 2024/25 season is the first time that the Women's Super League will operate independently from the Football Association (FA).

Instead, a company named Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) will be responsible for the league.

The company says it wants to "transform women’s football by building the most distinctive, competitive and entertaining women’s football club competition in the world".

A sixth win for Chelsea?

After 12 years in the management position Emma Hayes departed at the end of the last season

Chelsea have been dominant in the league with five consecutive wins and remain the favourites to secure the title once again.

However, this is a new era for the team.

After 12 years, former Manager Emma Hayes left at the end of the last season to become manager of the USA women's team.

She has been replaced at Chelsea by French manager Sonia Bompastor.

Whilst most of the team remains, they are joined by seven new arrivals, so it is an exciting time for the team.

Could Manchester City take the WSL title?

City lost out on the title in last years league due to goal difference

Manchester City missed out last year on goal difference to Chelsea and are keen to end Chelsea's domination of the league.

If Manchester City were to win, it would make it their first title since 2016.

Their Jamaican forward Khadija Shaw finished as top scorer last season, scoring 21 goals in 18 matches.

She will be joined by the WSL's all-time record scorer Vivianne Miedema who has moved across from Arsenal.

But, will it be enough for City to take the title?

WSL: New signings and transfers to look out for

The experienced Fran Kirby has joined Brighton from Chelsea

There was a lot of movement in the transfer window this summer as clubs spent more than ever to improve their teams.

Arsenal have brought in highly rated 21-year-old Rosa Kafaji.

Meanwhile, Brighton have signed Lioness, Fran Kirby from Chelsea and brings with her, WSL title-winning experience.

After two years in Barcelona, Lucy Bronze has moved back to England to join Chelsea.

Having won the Champions League with Barca last season, Bronze will be hoping to win more trophies this season.

Lucy Bronze has joined Chelsea from Barcelona

Where can you watch the WSL?

If you aren't in the crowd, you can catch the games live on Youtube

Ahead of the new season, it was announced that both the WSL and the Championship in England will be shown live on YouTube for the first time.

Some of the fixtures will also be broadcast in the UK on the BBC.

The opening game between Aston Villa and Chelsea will be shown on BBC Two on Friday, 20 September at 6:45pm.

Will you be watching? Who will you be supporting? Let us know in the comments below?