4 bold Chelsea Women predictions for the WSL and Champions League season
Chelsea Women have been the hunted in the Barclays Women’s Super League for several years, but now Sonia Bompastor and her side are the hunters as they look to reclaim the prize.
This Chelsea team looks very different from the one we saw last season, with several players, including a few superstars, departing while a number of exciting new talents have arrived at Stamford Bridge.
The 2026/27 season could prove to be a turning point for the women’s game, with an exciting future ahead. With that in mind, here are four predictions for Chelsea Women’s season.
Semi-finals of the Champions League again
The Champions League is the one trophy missing from Chelsea Women’s cabinet, and Erin Cuthbert and co lifting it would mean the world to Chelsea fans. They should progress through the group stage with ease, but it could be in the knockout rounds where their journey comes to an end against a familiar foe.
Barcelona Women may not be at their best after losing Alexia Putellas, Mapi León and several other key players, but they still have Aitana Bonmatí, Claudia Pina and Ewa Pajor firing as they look to claim a second successive title.
It would be disappointing to see Chelsea exit the competition at Stamford Bridge, but hopefully their English rivals, Arsenal and Manchester City, will not take the step required to go all the way either.
Manaka Matsukubo to be the next star
The Japanese midfielder arrived from the United States as a relatively unknown signing, largely flying under the radar after scoring five goals and providing four assists in just nine games for North Carolina Courage.
Her attacking flair should light up the WSL and go a long way towards competing with Alexia Putellas, while she could complement a fit-again Mayra Ramírez, with Lauren James adding even more magic to the attack. With Keira Walsh and Erin Cuthbert anchoring the midfield, the Japanese star should have greater freedom to express herself further forward.
Finish third
My apologies, but I come with a little negativity today. My prediction is that Chelsea will finish third, with either Manchester City or Arsenal lifting the title, and the other finishing as runners-up. It will be a tightly contested WSL this year, with very little separating the top four. London City Lionesses could complete the top four and make the race for the Champions League places even more competitive.
Sonia Bompastur to leave
After a season of transition, you could argue that Bompastor now has her people in place and the players needed to implement her style. With that comes significant pressure and increased expectations to deliver Chelsea back to the top.
As you can see from the previous prediction, I don’t believe that will happen. Without a major trophy to show for her time in charge, Bompastor leaves Chelsea at the end of the season.
