Arsenal Women are set for a fiercely competitive Barclays Women's Super League campaign as the 2026-27 season kicks off with an expanded 14-team format. The Gunners, who finished second in the final 2025 table with 51 points from 22 games, are positioned as one of the favorites to challenge defending champions Manchester City, according to a power rankings report from CBS Sports.
How has the WSL changed for the new season?
The league structure has undergone a significant shift. Promotion from WSL 2 has brought Birmingham City, Crystal Palace, and Charlton Athletic into the top flight. This expansion to 14 clubs alters the competitive landscape and the relegation picture. Now, the bottom-placed team is relegated automatically, while the 13th-placed side must contest a play-off against the WSL 2 runner-up. The reward for success at the top has also increased, with the top three finishers earning direct qualification to the Champions League. The season opener sees London City Lionesses host Manchester United on Friday, with all 183 matches available to stream live on Paramount+ and one weekly match airing on CBS Sports Network.
What are Arsenal's prospects after last season?
Arsenal's credentials are strong, having ended the 2025 campaign just four points behind leaders Manchester City W. Their record of 15 wins, six draws, and a single loss was built on a potent attack that scored 53 goals and a solid defense that conceded only 14, resulting in a +39 goal difference. Their recent form string of WWWDW shows they were finishing strongly. However, the squad has seen notable changes in the transfer window. Key departures include forward Beth Mead and defender Katie McCabe, who both moved to Manchester City. In response, the club has secured a major addition in midfielder Georgia Stanway, who returns to England after a four-year spell with Bayern Munich.
How have their main rivals strengthened?
The title race looks set to be a three-way battle. Manchester City, who ended Chelsea's six-year title run last season, have been aggressive in the market. They re-signed star striker Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw and added the aforementioned Mead and defender Niamh Charles from Chelsea. Chelsea, who settled for third place last term, have a new manager in Sonia Bompastor and have raided Arsenal to sign Katie McCabe. Other clubs have also made ambitious moves. London City Lionesses, backed by owner Michele Kang, made a global statement by signing two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas and added England goalkeeper Mary Earps, among others. You can track how all these moves affect the league table on our standings page as the season progresses.
What is the outlook for the rest of the league?
Manchester United begins a new era under manager Eva Olid after parting ways with Marc Skinner, with a defense anchored by Maya Le Tissier and Phallon Tulis-Joyce. Tottenham Hotspur, after a rise to fifth under Martin Ho, added Victoria Pelova from Arsenal. Liverpool brought in Mao Itamura and Khiara Keating, while Everton made Scott Phelan's role permanent. Brighton faces disruption with Dario Vidosic's departure, leaving Arturo Ruiz as acting head coach. Newly promoted Crystal Palace, led by Jo Potter, signed Bethany England. Birmingham City added Lisa Naalsund, and Charlton Athletic, promoted via a playoff win on penalties, are managed by Karen Hills. For a full breakdown of the Gunners' personnel, visit our dedicated squad page.
The increased competition means every point will be vital for Arsenal Women as they aim to close the gap on Manchester City. Their campaign begins with the challenge of integrating new signings like Stanway while compensating for the experience of departed players.
