Average predicted finish: 3rd (This ranking reflects the combined forecasts of several writers rather than one individual prediction)
Previous season’s finish: 3rd
Prospects
Following 10 years of dominance in domestic football and a memorable treble in 2024-25, Chelsea ended last season with only the League Cup, an outcome below the club’s customary expectations. Significant changes followed during the summer, with several prominent players leaving. Millie Bright retired, while Catarina Macario, Sam Kerr and Guro Reiten moved to the NWSL in the United States. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd joined Lyonnes, and Niamh Charles signed for Manchester City.
Sonia Bompastor has responded by adding Katie McCabe from Arsenal, Melvine Malard from Manchester United, Giulia Dragoni from Barcelona, Manaka Matsukubo from North Carolina Courage and Nelly Las from Leicester. Entering her third pre-season in London, Bompastor is reshaping the squad around her preferred playing style and team environment. The challenge is to introduce fresh ideas without losing the successful culture already established at the club.
She explained: “I said last season that we were entering a period of transition. We are refreshing the squad and rebuilding the culture within the group, and we will give everything we have to compete for trophies. The margins are very small, and hard work does not always produce the result you want. Our responsibility is to find a way to make those moments work in our favour.”
The French coach took charge of an accomplished squad and initially worked alongside the highly regarded head of women’s football, Paul Green. With many players associated with Emma Hayes’s era now departing and co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart becoming more involved, Bompastor faces a more demanding examination of her leadership. Chelsea’s direction is consequently harder to forecast, although the title race remains open. Manchester City must also manage the demands of European competition, so another championship is by no means guaranteed.
Their finishing positions across the previous five seasons
Off-field picture
Chelsea recorded revenue of £21.3m for the financial year ending 30 June 2025, a substantial increase from £11.5m in 2023-24. Together, Chelsea and Arsenal generated more income than the rest of the league combined. Chelsea’s broadcast earnings rose from £1.7m to £2.27m, while matchday income increased from £2.69m to £3.01m. The club’s post-tax loss also climbed from £8.42m to £17.10m, although much of that increase was linked to the £12.08m acquisition of Kingsmeadow. Reports suggested the transaction was designed partly to help the men’s team remain within profitability and sustainability regulations.
The manager
Bompastor begins her third complete season at Chelsea having already delivered four trophies in two campaigns. This year brings a different test, as she must show that she can lead the squad successfully through a major transition. Hayes repeatedly managed that task, maintaining Chelsea’s position at the top and collecting silverware while rebuilding, though she had considerable time to develop both the team and its supporting structure. European fixtures have sometimes created an additional burden, but they may prove helpful this season after a summer without an international tournament. Those games can provide valuable competitive minutes, help players regain sharpness and allow Chelsea to make an early statement in a competition they are determined to win.
Star signing
Chelsea completed several transfers, but the arrival of McCabe attracted the greatest attention. Arsenal’s choice to release the 30-year-old Republic of Ireland captain looked increasingly questionable after her outstanding campaign. Chelsea moved quickly and made it clear that she was an important part of their plans. Once an opponent disliked by many Blues supporters, McCabe now has the chance to become one of their favourites. She offers experience of winning the Champions League, fierce competitiveness and the ability to perform in several roles.
Stat attack
Chelsea allowed more goals last season than they had in recent campaigns, although their average remained below one conceded per match. Their more pressing concern was at the other end of the pitch. A total of 44 goals represented a decrease of 12 from 2024-25, which itself was 15 fewer than the preceding season. The number of shots taken inside the penalty area also declined over that period, falling from 332 to 315 and then to 269. Improving their attacking output must therefore be a priority for the former champions.
Set for a breakthrough
Academy graduate Lola Brown, 18, agreed a new contract this summer after signing her first professional terms in November 2024. She is highly regarded by both the club and its supporters. Brown made her senior appearances in the 2024-25 Champions League against Celtic and Twente before earning her league debut during a victory over Tottenham late in the season. She also showed considerable promise while on loan at Crystal Palace last year, particularly during the second half of a campaign whose opening months were disrupted by injury. Brown now appears ready for the next stage of her development and could make a strong impression if given regular opportunities.
What they say …
“Chelsea are currently experiencing a period of change. Many iconic players have moved on after creating an exceptional legacy. It is now our responsibility to follow their example, establish a legacy of our own and continue strengthening everything Chelsea represents as a club” – right-back Ellie Carpenter discussing the beginning of a new era.
Where are they playing their home games?
Chelsea have announced a major change for this season, with every WSL home fixture set to take place at Stamford Bridge for the first time. Cup matches will be hosted at AFC Wimbledon’s Cherry Red Records Stadium, increasing the available capacity from just under 5,000 at Kingsmeadow to 9,000. The club hopes these moves will attract more supporters and speed up the growth of matchday income. In the financial year ending June 2025, Arsenal generated almost £6m from matchdays, close to twice Chelsea’s total.
What do you feel about this post?
Like
Love
Happy
Haha
Sad
