The Women's Super League 2 season kicks off on Friday when newly-promoted Watford host Burnley, marking the start of a campaign that arrives with significant format changes following the expansion of the top-flight WSL. Under the new system, only the WSL2 champions will earn automatic promotion, while the second- and third-placed clubs will meet in a fresh pre-qualifying fixture to decide who advances to face the WSL's second-bottom side in a promotion/relegation playoff.
Newcastle United, guided by manager Tanya Oxtoby, are being tipped as favourites to top the division after finishing sixth last season. The Magpies struggled for goals last term but have addressed that issue directly in the transfer market, bringing in former Manchester United forward Martha Thomas from Tottenham, Republic of Ireland international Leanne Kiernan from Liverpool, and Scotland striker Kathleen McGovern, who netted 51 times in 65 appearances for Hibernian.
Bristol City, last season's top scorers despite finishing fourth, are expected to challenge again under Charlotte Healy. The club, part of the Mercury13 ownership group that also runs FC Como Women and FC Badalona Women, strengthened their defence by re-signing Brooke Aspin from Chelsea, while Lotta Lindström arrives to help fill the scoring void left by Lexi Lloyd-Smith's move to Crystal Palace.
Sunderland, now backed by the Bay Collective and with Rehanne Skinner installed as technical director, are seen as dark horses for a top-three finish. Long-serving head coach Melanie Reay, in her ninth year at the helm, finally has substantial financial support behind her, with the signing of Elise Hughes from Palace viewed as a shrewd addition.
At the other end of the table, newly-promoted Watford face the toughest task. Having won the FAWNL southern section by averaging nearly four goals per game, the Hornets have made the step up to full-time professional status and added talent including loanee Vera Jones from Chelsea. Captain Megan Chandler, at the club since 2019, said: