Team: Chelsea FC
Manager: Emma Hayes (3rd season)
Last season: 1st (Qualified for Champions League)
Continental Cup: Round of 16
Key Transfers In: Becky Spencer (Birmingham) Jade Bailey (Arsenal) Karen Carney (Birmingham)
Key Transfers Out: Marie Hourahan (Manchester City) Laura Coombs (Liverpool, loan) Jodie Brett (Bristol City, loan) Millie Farrow (Bristol City, loan)
Reigning champions Chelsea capped off an amazing 2015 for women’s football by completing a domestic double of the FA Women’s Cup and the Women’s Super League title. Manager Emma Hayes has again been busy in the off season transfer window adding capable youthful cover in the form of goalkeeper Becky Spencer from Birmingham City and “a Makelele” type in Jade Bailey from Arsenal. Undoubtedly though the signing of the window for The Blues is England Lioness Karen Carney from Birmingham. The tricky veteran winger is sure to add another dimension to Chelsea’s attacking play. With this talent added to the already star studded side it is difficult to see anyone dethroning the best team in the country. The main aim for the Londoners this season will be to retain their league title and establish themselves as a force in Europe having knocked out by Wolfsburg in the round of 16 last season.
Player to watch: Fran Kirby
England international Fran Kirby joined Chelsea from hometown club Reading, with the bright young talent seen as a massive coup for the champions to be. Although cup tied for the Blues FA Cup victory over Notts County Kirby managed to net 5 times in 6 games and lifted the WSL title to cap off a memorable year for the 23 year old. Her quick feet and scoring power have already added more flare to the Chelsea attacking line. The real question is; can the “Mini Messi” continue to shine in her first full season with the Blues?
Prediction: Emma Hayes and her players have a tough ask repeating their league and cup double whilst also attempting to juggle European duties. Although signing capable squad players and English talisman Karen Carney has given The Blues as good a chance as any to repeat their domestic feats, to mount a serious charge at Frankfurt’s European crown. Ultimately the league will be Chelsea’s main priority this season. Closest rivals Manchester City will prove to be tough challengers along with a revitalised Fara Williams inspired Arsenal side. However, injuries permitting, the team from SW6 should retain their WSL crown.
