Chelsea

Manager Since taking over in 2012, Emma Hayes has established herself as one of the most respected managers in the WSL, having steered Chelsea to the title in 2015 before winning the league and FA Cup Double in 2018. Has led Chelsea to the semifinals of the Champions League on two occasions.

Pedigree Chelsea amalgamated with the men’s team in 2004 while still under the name as Chelsea Ladies. During the 2008-09 season, the club made headlines when a handful of high-profile Arsenal players signed for the club – including current defender Anita Asante

– following the appointment of former

Arsenal reserve coach Steve

Jones as Blues’ manager.

Player to watch A dangerous forward, Bethany England (below) has established herself as one of the most versatile players in the WSL, as a central midfielder and as a wing-back. England finished as the joint-third highest scorer in the top flight in the 2017-18 season on loan at Liverpool. Made her international bow against Belgium in a friendly last month and the 25-yearold will want to be part of Phil Neville’s Olympic squad next summer. Signing of the summer Guro Reiten joined Chelsea before the World Cup from Norweigan Club LSK Kvinner where she had been the top scorer in Norway’s top league for the last three seasons. Talented midfielder and South Korea’s record goalscorer Ji So-yun (inset) has boosted the team, with a new three-year deal. Aim this season To finish in the top two and qualify for the Champions League. The Blues failed to secure European football this season, having finished five points behind second-placed Manchester City in the WSL and lost to eventual winners Lyon in the Champions League semi-finals. Biggest hurdle To avoid sharing the spoils against top-four rivals this season. Chelsea beat WSL champions Arsenal both home and away last time out. But their season was hampered by draws – six in total – with two of them against second-place Manchester City, who pipped Hayes’ side to that all-important European spot. Predicted finish Third.