WSL Power Rankings: Manchester City aim to defend their title with Chelsea and Arsenal close behind

Getty Images A brand new season of the Barclays Women’s Super League kicks off this weekend. The 2026-27 campaign opens with London City Lionesses hosting Manchester United on Friday in a season that has expanded from 12 clubs to 14 for the first time. Birmingham City, Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic secured promotion from WSL 2, and moving forward in Barclays WSL, the top three finishers now qualify directly for the Champions League, with the bottom club relegated outright and 13th facing a play-off against the WSL 2 runner-up. Manchester City enter the new year as defending league champions, after…