Chelsea Women's First WSL Starting XI of the Season

Prelude

Fans and pundits alike have been eagerly awaiting the announcement of Chelsea Women's first starting lineup of the new Women's Super League (WSL) season.

The Blues, who are the reigning WSL champions, will begin their title defense on Saturday, September 10th, at home to newly-promoted Liverpool.

Manager Emma Hayes has been putting her squad through their paces in pre-season and has a number of tough decisions to make ahead of the season opener.

Starting Lineup

Goalkeeper: Ann-Katrin Berger

The German international is Chelsea's undisputed number one and will start in goal against Liverpool.

Berger has been in impressive form for the Blues in pre-season and will be looking to keep a clean sheet in the season opener.

Defenders: Maren Mjelde, Millie Bright, Kadeisha Buchanan, Niamh Charles

Hayes has opted for a back four for the season opener, with Maren Mjelde and Millie Bright continuing their partnership in central defense.

Kadeisha Buchanan and Niamh Charles will start at left-back and right-back, respectively.

Midfielders: Sophie Ingle, Guro Reiten, Jessie Fleming

Sophie Ingle will anchor the midfield for the Blues, with Guro Reiten and Jessie Fleming playing in more advanced roles.

Reiten has been in particularly impressive form for Chelsea in pre-season and will be looking to create chances for her teammates against Liverpool.

Forwards: Fran Kirby, Sam Kerr, Lauren James

Chelsea's front three is arguably the most dangerous in the WSL, with Fran Kirby, Sam Kerr, and Lauren James all capable of scoring goals.

Kerr is the reigning WSL Golden Boot winner and will be looking to start the new season in similar fashion.

Substitutes: Zecira Musovic, Jonna Andersson, Jelena Cankovic, Eve Perisset, Erin Cuthbert, Bethany England, Alsu Abdullina

Hayes has a number of talented players to call upon from the bench, including experienced internationals like Jonna Andersson and Erin Cuthbert.

Bethany England, who is Chelsea's all-time top goalscorer, will also be hoping to make an impact if she is introduced as a substitute.

Conclusion

Chelsea will be confident of starting the new WSL season with a win against Liverpool.

The Blues have a strong squad and will be looking to make a statement of intent in the season opener.

Liverpool will be no pushovers, but Chelsea will be expected to get the three points at home.