The 2024/25 Women’s Super League (WSL) season has already seen thrilling action and high drama, with Chelsea continuing to dominate at the top of the table, Manchester City struggling with injuries, and Arsenal and Manchester United mounting strong challenges for the title. As the winter break approaches, the top four teams have made their mark, but it is still unclear who will come out on top when the season resumes. Here is a comprehensive analysis of the current state of play in the WSL and our predictions for who is most likely to win the title.
Chelsea’s Commanding Position at the Top
Chelsea currently occupies the top spot in the WSL, a position they have earned with a strong and consistent start to the 2024/25 campaign. The Blues have shown no signs of slowing down, building a formidable lead over their rivals. After 10 matchdays, they hold a six-point advantage over second-place Manchester City. Chelsea’s squad depth, attacking prowess, and overall quality make them the favorites to secure the title this season.
The Blues’ Title Charge
Chelsea has been impressive from the very start of the season, continuing their tradition of being a dominant force in women’s football. Even when their winning streak was finally broken by a determined Leicester City side, they remained unshaken, maintaining their focus on the long-term goal. Their depth in quality, with key players like Sam Kerr, Lauren James, and Mia Fishel leading the charge, makes them a daunting opponent for any team. With these players in top form and returning from injury after the winter break, Chelsea’s attack is set to become even more potent in the second half of the season.
The return of injured stars such as Lauren James, Sam Kerr, and Mia Fishel in the new year will undoubtedly give Chelsea a major boost. Their attacking firepower and versatility provide manager Emma Hayes with numerous tactical options, further strengthening the Blues’ title charge. With Sonia Bompastor’s leadership, Chelsea will aim to continue their smooth ride to the top, leaving their competitors in their wake.
Chelsea’s Advantage: No Extra European Distractions
One of Chelsea’s key advantages over their title rivals is their relatively light European schedule. With both Arsenal and Manchester City involved in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, Chelsea does not face the same intensity of fixtures across multiple competitions. This allows the Blues to focus entirely on the WSL, giving them an advantage when it comes to squad rotation and maintaining peak fitness levels throughout the season. As the Champions League progresses, City and Arsenal will be juggling both domestic and European commitments, potentially leaving them vulnerable to fatigue and injury.
Chelsea’s ability to focus on their league campaign, combined with their squad strength, makes them the favorites to win the title. Their lead at the top of the table already gives them a solid foundation, and barring any major setbacks, it’s hard to imagine any team overtaking them.
Manchester City’s Struggles Amid Injuries
While Chelsea has surged to the top, Manchester City has faced significant challenges this season, mainly due to injuries to key players. As one of the most talented squads in the WSL, City’s form has been erratic, and their title charge has been derailed by a series of injuries to crucial players. In particular, Alex Greenwood, Lauren Hemp, Vivianne Miedema, and Khadija Shaw have all missed significant time due to injury, leaving head coach Gareth Taylor with limited options to cover these absences.
A Shock Loss to Everton
The latest blow for Manchester City came in the form of a 2-1 loss to Everton on matchday 10, a game that further highlighted their vulnerability in the absence of key players. Despite their wealth of talent, City struggled to match Everton’s intensity, and the loss left them six points behind Chelsea in the race for the title. With a depleted squad, Manchester City has struggled to maintain the consistency needed to mount a serious challenge for the top spot.
The Challenge of Injuries and Squad Depth
Injuries have taken a toll on Gareth Taylor’s side, and while City has quality in abundance, the absence of players like Lauren Hemp and Vivianne Miedema has been particularly damaging. These players bring a dynamic edge to City’s attack, and without them, the team has looked less sharp and unpredictable. Despite this, Taylor remains confident in his squad’s abilities and has made it clear that Manchester City will be active in the January transfer window to address the gaps left by these injuries.
City’s hopes of regaining ground on Chelsea hinge on the fitness of their key players and their ability to secure reinforcements during the winter window. However, with the gap already standing at six points, it is unclear whether City can bridge this gap without consistent performances across the second half of the season.
Arsenal’s Strong Resurgence Under Interim Management
While Chelsea leads the pack and City faces mounting challenges, Arsenal has made a remarkable comeback after a slow start to the season. Under the interim management of Renee Slegers, the Gunners have gone on an 11-match unbeaten run, including some impressive victories that have put them back in contention for a top-two finish. Arsenal’s ability to bounce back after a disappointing start has made them one of the most dangerous teams in the WSL, and they are now just one point behind Manchester City.
Arsenal’s Title Hopes: Is It Too Late?
Despite Arsenal’s strong form under Slegers, many are questioning whether they have left it too late to mount a serious title challenge. The Gunners have managed to close the gap to City, but with a six-point deficit to Chelsea, their chances of lifting the title this season seem slim. However, the momentum they have built in recent weeks could be a sign of things to come. If Arsenal continues their unbeaten run and maintains their current level of performance, they could potentially leapfrog Manchester City and finish in second place, giving them a solid foundation for future seasons.
Key Moves in January: Could Keira Walsh Be the Answer?
Arsenal’s January transfer activity could also play a crucial role in their bid for the title. One player who has been linked with a move to the Gunners is Keira Walsh, the England international currently playing for Barcelona. If Arsenal can secure her signature, it would add significant depth and quality to their midfield, further boosting their title ambitions. Additionally, if Slegers remains in charge until the end of the season, her leadership could help Arsenal continue their strong form and make a push for a top-two finish.
Manchester United: Outside Contenders for the Top Spot
Manchester United remains in the mix for the title, but their vulnerabilities have been exposed at times this season. The Red Devils have shown glimpses of their potential, but they have lacked the consistency required to challenge for the top spot. Sitting just below Arsenal on goal difference, United will need to find more consistency if they are to compete for a Champions League spot and push for the WSL title. Their lack of depth compared to the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City may ultimately count against them in the race for the top, but they remain a dangerous team that could still have a say in the final standings.
WSL Title Predictions: Chelsea’s to Lose
As things stand, Chelsea remains the overwhelming favorite to win the Women’s Super League in 2024/25. Their commanding lead at the top of the table, combined with the return of key players from injury, places them in the driver’s seat for the second half of the season. The Blues have the quality, depth, and momentum to maintain their title charge, and unless a dramatic change in form occurs, it will be difficult for any other team to overtake them.
Manchester City, despite their struggles with injuries, is still capable of challenging for the title, but they will need to make significant strides in January and get their key players fit and firing again. Arsenal, with their recent resurgence, could still threaten City for second place, but Chelsea’s lead is likely too large to overcome.
Ultimately, Chelsea remains the team to beat, but with injuries and potential January signings, the battle for the top spots could still have plenty of twists and turns before the season ends.
