SUPER WOMEN READY FOR BIG KICK-OFF
The Women’s World Cup captured the imagination over the summer and now the Barclays FA Women’s Super League is hoping to capitalise on it.
The league has landed a title sponsor, bumper marketing deals and free online match-streaming.
But the challenge that the 12-team league faces this season is getting fans through the gates every week, something the Division 1 Feminine in France has failed to achieve despite a home World Cup.
here, Sportsmail previews the 2019-20 WSL season…
WILL MAJOR STADIUMS HOST BIG GAMES AFTER THE OPENING WEEKEND?
WiTh the Manchester derby and Chelsea v Tottenham being played at the etihad and Stamford Bridge respectively this weekend, it was only a matter of time before other clubs followed suit.
The first women’s North London derby will be played at Tottenham hotspur Stadium in November and West ham plan to host their game against Spurs at the 60,000- seater London Stadium later this month.
CAN ARSENAL DEFEND THEIR TITLE?
KeepiNg a firm grip on the WSL title will be manager Joe Montemurro’s primary focus this season, despite Arsenal qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in more than five years.
Dutch defender Dominique Bloodworth joined german side Wolfsburg this summer, but remains the only significant departure.
Arsenal are firm favourites for the title but they will be pushed hard by last season’s runners-up, Manchester City.
Despite Nikita parris moving to Lyon, Nick Cushing’s cup doublewinning side have added firepower in the shape of england striker ellen White from Birmingham City.
HOW WILL THE PROMOTED TEAMS FARE?
MANCheSTeR UNiTeD boss Casey Stoney has played down her team’s title chances, despite smart recruitment in the summer and the backing of one of the biggest men’s football clubs in the world.
But let’s not forget that just 15 months ago United’s women’s team didn’t exist. Securing promotion to the top flight as champions in their inaugural season was some achievement. They lost only once — although they were the only full-time team in the division.
Second-tier runners-up Tottenham hotspur, who have made the leap from part-time contracts, will play home games at The hive, home of Barnet. head coach duo Karen hills and Juan Amoros have made nine signings, most notably 32-year- old england winger and four-time WSL title winner gemma Davison.
For a side who went toe to toe in a tight title race with United in the second tier last season, anything less than a mid-table finish would be disappointing.
WHO WILL BE IN THE RELEGATION BATTLE?
AT The bottom of the table last season, just four points separated Brighton from everton, who only avoided relegation because Yeovil were docked 10 points for entering administration.
everton, who won just three games last season, are undergoing something of a rebuild, with manager Willie Kirk preparing for his first full season in charge.
After shipping out seven players and signing six, making this squad click could be a tall order for Kirk.
WHAT WERE THE TRANSFER SURPRISES?
UNiTeD coach Stoney has admitted that Lyon’s last-minute swoop for club captain and first- choice left back Alex greenwood caught them by surprise.
On the blue side of Manchester, City’s Claire emslie made the switch to National Women’s Soccer League side Orlando pride.
The Scotland winger now plays alongside six-time world player of the year Marta and double World Cup winner Alex Morgan.