The new WSL season is almost here. Following Part 1 of our WSL 2023/24 preview, we’ll examine last season’s bottom five teams — including newly promoted Bristol City.
From the middle to the bottom, the WSL table sees a lot of shuffling each campaign. It’s always great to see which teams will crack the top five. But will any of these teams be able to reach that feat this season?
Liverpool – 7th, 23 points
The Reds enjoyed a tremendous season in the top tier after achieving promotion. The debutantes started with a dream victory over title-holders Chelsea, then played consistent football throughout the rest of the term. Manager Matt Beard saw several of his players go down to injury, and the squad is hoping for a return of those missing pieces. Liverpool desperately misses captain Niamh Fahey and star striker Leanne Kiernan. Their return will greatly boost the team’s push toward the top of the WSL.
Players out
Rylee Foster; Carla Humphrey – Charlton Athletic; Rhiannon Roberts – Real Betis; Ashley Hodson – Sheffield United; Leighanne Robe; Charlotte Clark – Birmingham City; Megan Campbell; Eartha Cumings – FC Rosengård; Kate Oakley – Lewes; Katie Stengel – Gotham FC
Players in
Natasha Flint – Leicester City; Jenna Clarke – Glasgow City; Mia Enderby – Sheffield United; Tegan Micah – FC Rosengård; Grace Fisk – West Ham; Marie Höbinger – FC Zürich; Sophie Roman Haug – AS Roma
Thoughts for the season
Liverpool had a reasonable debut season in the WSL last year, and they can certainly improve this season. Haug is a proven goal scorer and will bring some more firepower to the attack. Liverpool’s transfer window was very productive. This side has proven that they can play with any team in the WSL. Seeing them challenge for a top-four spot would not be a surprise.
Embed from Getty ImagesWest Ham – 8th, 21 points
With but one win in their final 15 league matches, West Ham needed to change things up in the hopes of righting the ship. That task has come to Rehanne Skinner, who took over the club in July. She has a tall order in front of her, and an aggressive transfer window should help. The Irons need to improve their offensive output, first and foremost. A strong core of experienced players, especially in their midfield, is key. They will miss captain Dagný Brynjarsdóttir’s cool head (Til hamingju, Dagny!), so look to Scottish international Lisa Evans to step up.
Players out
Kate Longhurst – Charlton Athletic; Grace Fisk – Liverpool; Lucy Parker – Aston Villa; Brooke Cairns; Sophie Hillyerd – London City
Players in
Jessie Stapleton – Shelbourne; Emma Harries – Reading; Katelin Talbert – SL Benfica; Megan Walsh – Brighton; Riko Ueki – Tokyo Verdy Beleza
Thoughts for the season
West Ham is looking to improve on last season’s finish, and their backline could be the place they could do it. Mackenzie Arnold put the entire world on blast at the World Cup, and she is one of the best keepers out there right now. With the addition of Megan Walsh, West Ham is very solid between the pipes. The Irons need to put the ball in the opposition’s net more often this year. Only Leicester City and the relegated Reading scored as few goals as West Ham last season. Newly signed Ueki and Harries bring some offensive prowess and can hopefully light up the scoreboard for the side.
Embed from Getty ImagesTottenham – 9th, 18 points
After starting out last season strong, Spurs fell out of top-four contention with a protracted slide down the table. The side changed leadership and brought on Robert Vilaham this summer to manage the team. Tottenham is another side with a very strong core of experienced leadership. Captain Bethany England is always a threat to score and was absolutely on fire at the end of last season. Dependable and versatile Ashleigh Neville anchors a backline that looks to cut down on chances against their net this season.
Players out
Chioma Ubogagu; Kerys Harrop – Retired; Kiah Simon; So-hyun Cho – Birmingham City; Esther Morgan – Hearts; Tinja-Riikka Korpela – AS Roma
Players in
Luana Bühler – 1899 Hoffenheim; Olga Ahtinen – Linköping FC; Barbora Votíková – Paris Saint Germain; Martha Thomas – Man United
Thoughts for the season
The signing of Votíková bolsters Spurs between the pipes. She brings big-match experience and will help the Tottenham defense. Spurs also made a great late signing, acquiring striker Martha Thomas from Man United on deadline day. Combined with the deadly England in front of the net, Tottenham should have no problem filling up the net. If they can improve their defense, they will surely move up the table this season.
Embed from Getty ImagesLeicester City – 10th, 16 points
Leicester City is a completely different-looking side compared to last year. With a slew of players going out and coming in during the transfer window, Willie Kirk’s side is much changed from last season. Leicester played solid football at the end of the season to secure their place in the WSL. Changes to their entire side may be the push they need to move up the table.
Players out
Sophia Poor – Aston Villa; Sophie Barker – Sheffield United; Natasha Flint – Liverpool; Kirstie Levell – Burnley; Charlie Devlin – Birmingham City; Lachante Paul; Molly Pike – Southampton FC; Jess Sigsworth – Sheffield United; Abbie McManus; Connie Scofield – London City; Jemma Purfield – Southampton FC; Georgia Eaton-Collins – HB Køge; Ellen Jones – Sunderland; Mackenzie Smith – North Carolina State University; Erin Simon – Retired; Ashleigh Plumptre – Al-Ittihad
Players in
Courtney Nevin – Hammerby IF; Janina Leitzig – Bayern Munich; Lena Petermann – Montpelier; Janice Cayman – Lyon; Aimee Palmer – Bristol City; Lize Kop – Ajax; Jutta Rantala – Vittsjø AIT; Julie Thibaud – Bordeaux; Deanne Rose – Reading
Thoughts for the season
Leicester needs to improve their offense. Simply put, their attack was anemic last season. With only 15 goals scored in 22 league matches, the Foxes have to do better if they want to remain up. Finnish international Rantala could be just what the Foxes need. An exciting and fast attacker, she has found the net throughout her young career. The addition of the experienced and level-headed Cayman in the midfield will help with control of play.
Embed from Getty ImagesBrighton Hove Albion – 11th, 16 points
The third new manager in the WSL this season, Melissa Phillips, inherits a club going through some major changes. Perhaps the busiest side in the transfer window, the Gulls saw 10 players leave, and 10 new ones come in. With a solid attack but a poor defense, the side is looking to strengthen their backline. Will the new signings propel Brighton from the bottom end of the table?
Players out
Megan Walsh – West Ham; Danielle Carter – London City; Victoria Williams; Kayleigh Green – Charlton Athletic; Megan Connolly – Bristol City; Rebekah Stott – Melbourne City; Brianna Visalli – AGF Aarhus; Zoe Morse – retired; Park Ye-eun – Hearts
Players in
Pauline Bremer – Wolfsburg; Vicky Losada – AS Roma: Mackenzie Hawkesby – Sydney FC; Madison Haley – Sydney FC; Charlize Rule – Sydney FC; Lin Mengwen – Jiangsu; Maris Thorisdottir – Man United; Tatiana Pinto – Levante; Jorelyn Carabali – Atletico Mineiro
Thoughts for the season
Brighton obviously need to work on their defense. To borrow an Americanism, they got lit up like a Christmas tree last season. Giving up nearly three goals per match, the Gulls have serious shoring up to do. Thorisdottir is an experienced and steady defender, Rule brings great athleticism and youthful exuberance to the backline. A Thorisdottir/Poppy Pattinson pairing could provide a necessary and calming presence on the Brighton defense. Improving that defense will be vital to the Gulls’ chances of moving up the table.
Embed from Getty ImagesBristol City – Promoted
After being relegated to the Women’s Championship following the 2020/21 season, the Vixens have come back to the WSL this year. Emerging from a great title chase with Birmingham City and London City, the side is looking to make waves in the WSL. Lauren Smith has been guiding the club for the past two seasons and is eager to prove her squad’s place in the WSL.
Players out
Aimee Palmer – Leicester City; Chloe Bull – Retired; Lia Cataldo – Crystal Palace; Lily Greenslade – Rugby Borough; Jodie Hutton – Sheffield United; Elysia Boddy – Newcastle United; Brooke Aspin – Chelsea; Vicky Bruce – Western Sydney Wanderers
Players in
Amy Rodgers – London City; Satara Murray – Racing Louisville; Jamie-Lee Napier – London City; Amalie Thestrup – PSV Eindhoven; Megan Connolly – Brighton; Carrie Jones – Man United; Sille Struck – Levante Las Planas
Thoughts for the season
Bristol City did not stay down long after relegation two years ago and are looking to prove that they belong in the WSL. As did most of the WSL sides, the Vixens made many moves during the transfer window. Abi Harrison knows how to find the back of the net. Bristol City will need her to have a big season to have a successful return in the WSL.
