WSL2 New Season: Who Will Rise and Fall?

The Women's Super League 2 is set to commence its new season with an exciting, though tweaked, format that includes a new playoff structure.

This season, only the WSL2 champions are guaranteed promotion, with teams finishing second and third entering a new pre-qualifying match. This determines who will face the WSL's second-bottom side in the ultimate promotion-relegation playoff decider.

Newcastle United are tipped as strong promotion favorites, bolstered by significant attacking signings. Bristol City, last season's top scorers, are also expected to contend for a playoff spot with an ambitious ownership group. Burnley, newly promoted, have made strategic signings to compete in the second tier.

Meanwhile, Durham faced an uncertain future due to financial difficulties but were ultimately saved by local investment and a new coach. Ipswich Town and Leicester City are also looking to make their mark, with Ipswich potentially being dark horses for a top-half finish after a strong debut season.

Other teams like Nottingham Forest aim for advancement, while Sheffield United might struggle unless their top scorer remains. Southampton faces budget cuts, and Sunderland, under new ownership and with a new technical director, has high hopes. Watford and Wolves, both promoted from the FAWNL, are transitioning to full-time status and will aim to establish themselves, though survival will be a significant challenge.