Chelsea begin their bid for a seventh successive WSL title when they go up against Manchester City in the season opener.
Sonia Bompastor managed to guide the Blues to a coveted invincible crown in her debut season at Stamford Bridge last term, maintaining Chelsea’s imperious status that was left by Emma Hayes.
Man City, meanwhile, endured an underwhelming season as they missed out on Champions League qualification, sacking manager Gareth Taylor in March.
Andree Jeglertz has succeeded the now-Liverpool boss in the City dugout and arrives off the back of Euro 2025, where he managed Denmark in his previous position.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the WSL opener:
When is Chelsea vs Man City?
Chelsea’s WSL clash against Man City kicks off at 7:30pm BST on Friday 5 September at Stamford Bridge in London.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the game live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, with coverage starting at 6:30pm BST.
Team news
Chelsea sharpshooter Mayra Ramirez faces a lengthy layoff as she recuperates from hamstring surgery, while Lauren James and Lucy Bronze are still out. All eyes, however, will be on Sam Kerr after Bompastor confirmed she will be included in her squad for the game after almost two years out. The Blues could also showcase their new signings, with the likes of Mara Alber, Livia Peng and Ellie Carpenter coming through the door.
Man City also go into the season with a handful of absences, with Rebecca Knaak ruled out with a meniscus tear. Bunny Shaw looks set to make her long-awaited comeback, though. Jeglertz could also field the club’s new arrivals, among which Grace Clinton - who swapped Manchester United for City in a shock move.
Predicted line-ups
Chelsea XI: Hampton; Carpenter, Bright, Girma, Baltimore; Walsh, Cuthbert; Rytting Kaneryd, Nusken, Beever-Jones; Macario.
Man City XI: Keating; Rose, Prior, Greenwood; Casparij, Hasegawa, Lohmann, Beney; Kerolin, Miedema, Shaw.
Odds
Chelsea win 2/3
Draw 3/1
Man City win 15/4
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