The European champions start their season today. And they’re not even the talk of the town. London City Lionesses, who were only founded in 2019, have made a splash by signing a host of stars ahead of their first season in the WSL. Yesterday they signed Grace Geyoro for a reported world-record fee, and it’s hard to recall any team in English football history who have started their first top-flight season with such an eye-catching squad.
There’s no I in team, though, and at this stage we have no idea how LCL’s revamped squad will gel. The best-case scenario is that they smash the glass ceiling and break into the top four; it’s also possible that reality bites and fifth place becomes their short-term ambition. Today will provide some clues. If they can hold their own away to the European champions, there will be little to fear.
Arsenal broke the world record earlier in the summer to sign Olivia Smith from Liverpool. Chloe Kelly has also returned to the club on a permanent deal, with the addition of Taylor Hinds and Anneke Borbe completing a good window’s work. All told, the air at the Emirates Stadium is thick with optimism and hope.
Kick off 1.30pm.