Women’s Super League

BRIGHTON will begin their fourth term in the Women’s Super League with a clash against West Ham. The game will take place at the Amex Stadium with WSL fans set to return to watch the team this season. 
Brighton will take on West Ham in their first WSL match at the Amex since November 2019Credit: Getty
And the contest will start at 2:00 pm on Sunday 5 September with tickets going on sale on August 7. 
Albion, who finished sixth last term, will be targeting a higher spot in the table in a season that will see WSL games aired on Sky Sports and the BBC as part of a landmark three-year TV deal. 
The last time Hope Powell’s aces played at the Amex was back in November 2019 with 4,310 fans turning up to watch them trounce Birmingham 3-0. 
COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH
And Covid restrictions saw the club play the majority of last term’s games behind closed doors at the People’s Pension Stadium – home of League Two outfit Crawley. 
Brighton boss Powell, 54, said: “We have only had a couple of games at Crawley with supporters present in the last 18 months so to be able to have a big crowd in at the Amex for the first game of the new season will be brilliant.
“We look forward to welcoming them back and to seeing as many Albion fans there as possible to get behind the team and making it a memorable occasion for the club.
“It’s such a big season for the WSL with a new broadcast deal and the increased profile that will bring to the women’s game and plus, of course, the (Women’s) Euros in England next summer as well.
“Our first game of the season at the Amex is going to be a fantastic occasion and we’re really looking forward to it.”
Albion’s encounter with the Irons could see boss Powell give debuts to summer signings Danielle Carter and Rinsola Babajide. 
Former Arsenal forward Carter, 28, joined the club in July on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee following a one-season spell at Reading last term.
DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON WITH £100,000 PRIZE POT UP FOR GRABS
And the striker, who won three FA Cups and three WSL titles with the Gunners, netted four goals in 25 Royals appearances last season. 
Meanwhile, Babajide, 23, sealed a one-term loan switch from Liverpool. 
The former Millwall striker was named Player of the Season following her first term with the Reds from 2019 to 2020. 
Former Reading striker Danielle Carter could make her Brighton debut against West HamCredit: Getty

And the London-born forward was part of an England side who finished third in the Under 20 Women’s World Cup in 2018. 
Powell added: “We achieved our highest WSL position (last season) and we’re in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, but we want to push on this season and get better. 
“Any additions to our squad have got to add value to what we’ve got and in Danielle and Rinsola that is definitely the case.”
Dream Team Selector – £25,000 at least to be won!IT’S a football survival game!
Huge guaranteed prize pot of £25,000 to be won.
Pick one winning team each week.
But you can only pick them once!
Survive the longest and you can win a huge jackpot.
Guaranteed return if you make it to round five.
Click HERE to play.

Brighton seal Enock Mwepu transfer from RB Salzburg on four-year deal More

KATIE MCCABE reckons Arsenal’s quality can help them in their battle for trophies with the Gunners targeting their first silverware win since 2019. And the midfield ace is expecting big things from the club who face Tottenham in a pre-season clash before a Champions League qualifier against Kazakhstan side Okzhetpes. 
Katie McCabe believes Arsenal Women has enough quality in their squad to win silverware this seasonCredit: Getty
The Republic of Ireland international, 25, was speaking to Arsenal’s web site following the team’s 2-1 pre-season win against Chelsea at the Emirates. 
Goals from the midfielder and rising starlet Freya Jupp, 17, were enough to seal the victory with 16-year-old Reanna Blades netting a solitary effort for the Blues.  
The Gunners’ last major trophy was back in the 2018-19 season with the club clinching their third Women’s Super League title. 
McCabe, who joined Arsenal from Shelbourne in 2015,  said: “Last year we didn’t compete for any trophies. 
COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH
“We secured the Champions League but a club like Arsenal needs to be up for trophies, so we’re progressing to do that this year. 
“You can see the quality we’ve got in as well, so we mean business this season and we want to start that with the pre-season games moving into the season.
“There are big things coming to this team.”
McCabe, who signed a new long-term deal with Arsenal back in May, was among the standout performers for the Gunners alongside Jupp, new signing Frida Mannam and England ace Jordan Nobbs.
The team were without Vivianne Miedema, Caitlin Foord and summer signings Nikita Parris and Mana Iwabuchi with all four away at the Tokyo Olympics.  
DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £100,000
The Gunners are currently waiting on the outcome of medical checks on Nobbs, 28, who was stretchered off with an ankle injury after a collision with Chelsea’s Erin Cuthbert. 
The team were playing their first game under new management with assistant coach Aaron D’Antonio in the dugout and boss Jonas Eidevall, 38, currently undergoing quarantine following his arrival from Sweden.  
McCabe expects Arsenal to be vying for major honours this season with the club competing in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty

However the manager is expected to join his players this week ahead of their trip to Spurs and their clash with Okzhetpes at the Sapsan Arena in Russia. 
McCabe added: “He was giving us his team talk via Zoom, so that’s a first but it’s COVID times so what’s new? 
“He’s been great and the staff have been really supportive in making things as easy as possible for us players.”  
Dream Team 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON!

£100,000 in prize money up for grabs
£50million budget to build your best XI
Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
Click here to play for FREE
Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store

Reiss Nelson shows off his skills in training with Arsenal More

MANCHESTER UNITED have hired Marc Skinner as head coach of their women’s side ahead of their second term in the WSL. The 38-year-old’s appointment follows Casey Stoney’s departure as Red Devils gaffer at the end of last season following her three-year spell in charge.  
Marc Skinner has become Manchester United Women’s new head coach
The Basildon born manager, 39, who led the club to a historic top-flight promotion in 2019, became the new head coach of US women’s club San Diego in July.  
Skinner’s move will see him take up Man United’s reins after a two-year stint as head coach of National Women’s Soccer League team Orlando Pride. 
The former Solihull College Academy manager will lead a Red Devils side who narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification after finishing fourth and a point behind Arsenal last term. 
Skinner said: “I’m looking forward to working closely with the staff and this talented group of players. 
“Our focus is to build on everything they have already achieved in the women’s game.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to lead the team into what will be another competitive WSL season; I want us to achieve success together and our aim is to give the fans a team they can continue to be proud of.”
COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH
Ed Woodward, Man United’s vice chair added: “Marc is a coach with proven pedigree in the WSL and we are delighted he is joining the club and returning to the league after his recent time in the US. 
“Our commitment to the continued development and success of the Women’s team is total, and we see Marc’s appointment, along with the talented squad and players recruited this summer, as key to that process.”
Skinner began his career in football coaching at Solihull College in 2013 before taking charge of Birmingham Women’s youth team in the 2015-16 season.
Prior to his 2019 switch to America Skinner enjoyed a three-year spell in charge of Birmingham City’s senior women’s side where he was credited for revamping their style of play.
And the former Brum boss earned praise for leading the club to the 2017 Women’s FA Cup final where they were defeated by Manchester City. 
Since 2019 Skinner had been leading an Orlando side whose players include two-time World Cup winner Alex Morgan and Brazil heroine Marta.  
DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £100,000
And the club is currently seventh in their division having won four, lost four and drawn four of the 12 games they have played so far in the 2021 NWSL season. 
Skinner’s United appointment comes in the week during which the side announced the signing of former West Ham striker Martha Thomas.
The Scotland international joined the club on a two-year deal until the end of the 2022-23 season with an option to extend for a further year.
Martha Thomas has joined Man United following a two-season spell at West Ham from 2019 to 2021Credit: Getty

And the forward 25, netted four goals in 16 WSL appearances for the Irons last season.
Thomas said: “I want to be enjoying my football again and I’m looking forward to challenging myself in this environment and being part of an attacking team where I can express myself. 
“My focus right now is on settling in and putting in the hard work at training, but I can’t wait for the season to start and to see all the fans back in the stadium.”
Dream Team 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON!

£100,000 in prize money up for grabs
£50million budget to build your best XI
Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
Click here to play for FREE
Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store

Man Utd boss Solskjaer says Raphael Varane is a ‘proven winner’ More

ENGLAND will take on Northern Ireland at Wembley in October in a qualifying clash for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.  The duel between the sides will be the first competitive game for the Lionesses at the stadium since its reopening in 2007.  The fixture on Saturday 23 October follows two international friendly encounters for England […] More

CHELSEA mount their bid to retain their Women’s Super League crown with a clash at Arsenal on the first weekend of the 2021-22 season. And WSL newbies Leicester City take on Aston Villa in what will be the Bescot Stadium’s side’s first league game under new boss Carla Ward. 
Chelsea will take on Arsenal away in their opening game of the new WSL seasonCredit: PA
The first games of the new WSL term are set to take place from September 3 to 5.
Season-opening clashes in the Women’s Championship will take place from August 28 to 29. 
Matches include a duel between Liverpool and London City Lionesses.
Chelsea, who lost just once in the top-flight last season, face a tricky opening run of games with home and away duels with Everton and Man United following their trip to the Gunners. 
And Emma Hayes Blues will then take on Hope Powell’s Brighton who were the only team to beat them in the top tier last term.
COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH
Everton, who harbour hopes of qualifying for the Champions League, will face Manchester City at home in their first game of the season. 
And Brighton, who have signed former Gunners and Reading striker Danielle Carter, will host West Ham.
Elsewhere Manchester United and Tottenham will play their first matches of the season at home against Reading and Birmingham City. 
WSL champs Chelsea and title rivals Manchester City are due to go head-to-head between November 12 and 14. 
And Carla Ward’s Aston Villa will take on her former club Birmingham in the first Second City derby of the season within that timeframe. 
A month beforehand Jonathan Morgan and his Leicester City side will travel to Chelsea for their first encounter with title-holders Chelsea. 
That clash is scheduled around October 8 to 10. 
And the final day of the 2021-2022 season will see Chelsea, who signed Lauren James, host the striker’s former side Manchester United. 
It is a match that could see former Blues defender Hannah Blundell – who has switched to United on a two-year deal – go up against her old club.  
This season will see WSL games broadcast live on the BBC and Sky Sports as part of a landmark three-year broadcast deal reported to be worth £7million to £8million a season. 
DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £100,000
The BBC is set to air 22 live games with a minimum of 18 shown on BBC One or BBC Two. 
Meanwhile, Sky Sports are expected to cover up to 44 matches on their Main Event, Premier League and Sky Sports Football Channels. 
Leicester will take on Aston Villa in their first game in the WSLCredit: Rex

Kelly Simmons, the FA’s Women’s Game director said: “A lot of work has gone into preparing for this season and I think it is this year people will see just how far the women’s game has come. 
“This season will see record levels of exposure and audiences as a result of our exciting new partnership with Sky Sports and the BBC.
“I cannot wait to see our elite athletes showcasing their talent to the nation.”
Opening Women’s Super League games
3-5 September

Arsenal vs Chelsea
Aston Villa vs Leicester City
Brighton vs West Ham
Everton vs Manchester City
Manchester United vs Reading
Tottenham vs Birmingham City

Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More

MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly aiming to hire Marc Skinner as the gaffer of their Women’s Super League side. Telegraph Sport claims the Red Devils are in talks with the Orlando Pride head coach who is thought to be a top target to replace Casey Stoney. 
Marc Skinner is reported to be in talks regard to Manchester United Women’s manager jobDream Team 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON!

The ex-United Women’s manager left the club at the end of last term after three seasons in charge and having steered the side to fourth in the WSL
Stoney, who led United to WSL promotion for the first time in their history in 2019, has since become head coach of US women’s side San Diego.  
Skinner, 38, is under contract with the Pride who are fifth in a National Women’s Soccer League made up of ten teams. 
And the former Birmingham boss has been in his current role since swapping Blues for a move to US women’s football in January 2019. 
The Telegraph claims a deal between Skinner and the Red Devils is far off with discussions between the two parties thought to be ongoing.  
However, it is reported United players, dismayed by Stoney’s departure, are keen on the possibility of having the coach in charge at Leigh Park Village. 
Skinner, who earned plaudits for revamping Birmingham’s style of play, led Blues to the Women’s FA Cup final in 2017. 
And the Midlands side were beaten 4-1 by eventual contest winners Man City after dispatching Chelsea in the semis. 
Skinner’s current club, whose stars include Brazil icon Marta and World Cup-winning striker Alex Morgan, have won four, drawn four and lost three of 11 games played this term.
COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH
And the Pride have recently added former United centre-back Amy Turner and ex-Arsenal and Lyon forward Jodie Taylor to their ranks. 
This week the Red Devils announced the signing of Norway international Vilde Bøe Risa on a two-year deal. 
The acquisition of the midfielder, who began her senior career at Norwegian side Arna-Bjørnar in 2012, appears to have gone down well with United fans on social media. 
The  26-year-old has 37 international caps and helped Norway reach the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals in 2019 where they were beaten by England. 
And the player was part of the Goteborg team who won Sweden’s top-flight title in 2020. 
Bøe Risa said: “I’m happy to be here, at such a big club that I have grown up supporting. 
Skinner is currently in charge of an Orlando Pride side which includes Brazil legend Marta
DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £100,000

“Manchester United is huge in Norway so to be able to come here and play for the team now is a dream come true. 
“I am really looking forward to playing in the WSL and I want to help the team as much as I can in qualifying for the Champions League. 
I’m also excited to get to know my new teammates, and of course, I hope I can see the fans in the stadium soon too.”
Vilde Bøe Risa has become Manchester United Women’s latest summer signingCredit: Getty
Man Utd up their game in pre-season training More