WSL set for most competitive season after influx of new talent

LONDON: Chelsea kick off their Women's Super League title defence against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday (Sep 27), with players saying the new campaign will be the most competitive yet after the English top flight's 12 clubs stocked up with new talent.

Emma Hayes's side have won six out of the last seven WSL titles but the last two seasons have gone down to the final matchday and the strengthening of their rivals will have them looking over their shoulders.

Several teams have made eye-catching signings, with clubs making the most of their joint-funding with the men's teams. The WSL had almost 100 players representing their nations at the recent World Cup, the most of any league in the world.

Aston Villa, who finished fifth last season under Carla Ward, signed Canadian Olympic gold medal winner Adriana Leon and Netherlands goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar, two of seven signings, as they look to push on in their fourth WSL campaign.

"There will be a target on our backs because we finished as the best of the rest which is what everyone wants... But the expectation from within is far greater than those on the outside," said Ward, whose side open the season in the early kickoff against Manchester United.

Everton, Liverpool and West Ham United also have eyes on closing that gap to the top, although only the top three qualify for the Champions League.

Former Germany forward Pauline Bremer was the first of 10 new signings for Brighton & Hove Albion, who scraped survival last season. A number of teams involved in a relegation battle last time are setting their sights higher.

Willie Kirk transformed Leicester City when he took charge in November. He had a clearout this summer, as 16 players left while nine have come in, including Canadian