Chelsea Women had into the 2022/23 campaign with the wind in their sails after winning a third league title in a row last season. Domestic dominance has been the modus operandi for the team in recent years but this past transfer window indicates that Emma Hayes may have Europe on the brain. With a major focus of the team being Champions League glory could we see them slip up in the Women’s Super League? In this Chelsea Women WSL preview, we’ll be taking a look at what’s to come from the reigning champions.
Chelsea’s summer transfer window:
IN:
🇸🇪Johanna Rytting Kaneryd
🇫🇷Ève Périsset
🇨🇦Kadeisha Buchanan
🇷🇸Jelena Čanković
🇨🇿Katerina SvitkováOUT:
🇯🇲Drew Spence
🇸🇪Jonna Andersson
🇰🇷Ji So-YunLOAN:
🏴Lucy Watson
🏴Emma Thompson
🏴Jorja Fox
🏴Agnes Beever-Jones
🏴Charlotte Wardlaw pic.twitter.com/J5xqW1o351— Women’s Transfer News (@womenstransfer) September 10, 2022
Chelsea Women WSL Preview
Chelsea Women Key Player
While the signing of Kadeisha Buchanan is a major statement of intent, the key player in this upcoming season will be the clinical Sam Kerr. The Australian international has been in inspired form ever since making the move to London from the Chicago Red Stars. In her first full campaign under Hayes, the striker scored 31 goals in 39 games and improved on this last season with a whopping 29 strikes in just 31 appearances. The back-to-back Golden Boot winner will be keen to add a third this year.
Read More: Chelsea Women Transfers Graded as Blues Seek Fourth Consecutive WSL Title
Chelsea Women Tactics
This is going to be one of the most interesting things about the upcoming term. Last season saw The Blues line up in a few different formations with a 3-4-3 and 3-5-2 attempt being made early in the year while a 4-3-3 became more common as the season wound down. With the signings made this past off-season there are more midfielders and attackers on hand than ever so it will be interesting to see how Hayes fits everyone in.
A return to the 4-3-3 is possible but a three at the back may get the best use out of Buchanan’s passing abilities.
Chelsea Women Unexpected Star
While she may not have grabbed the headlines the signing of Jelena Cankovic could be a massive one. With the departure of Ji So-Yun, the club’s midfield lost a lot of versatility but the Serbian midfielder can immediately fill in for the South Korean. Not only is she a fantastic passer but Cankovic is skilled at both defensive tasks and offensive duties.
Read More: Chelsea Women Preparing ‘World Record’ Bid for French International Star
Chelsea Women WSL Prediction
While some competitors strengthened in the recent window it’s hard to see anyone closing the gap to Chelsea Women in the WSL. Not only did The Blues add elite talents but they signed strong depth players who will be able to step in and make an impact when the schedule gets harsh. We predict that this campaign ends the same way the last three did, with Hayes hoisting the trophy.
