Your Fantasy Football Club by Club Guide: Chelsea

The overview

Last season: 3rd (BWSL)

This season expectations: Title Challenges

Chelsea are always in the mix when it comes to winning titles. The Blues are never short of superstars, and never, ever cheap in Fantasy. Third last season might look like a slip by their standards, but Sonia Bompastor's team will fancy going one better this year.

For a Fantasy manager, Chelsea are less about ‘are they any good’ (they are) and more about picking the right big name. The squad's had a proper shake-up, mind. Some huge names have departed the club, including Sam Kerr, Guro Reiten, and the retiring Millie Bright. Bompastor has set about rebuilding the squad, so in comes Katie McCabe from Arsenal, which, as we'll see, is very good news for set-piece points, and Melvine Malard adds some much-needed depth in front of goal.

Lauren James is the standout name for Chelsea. On song, she's unplayable, gliding past defenders, creating chances, chipping in with goals of her own, the kind of player who wins you a gameweek on her own. Flying fullback Ellie Carpenter is another one who could rack up the involvement points; she averaged 4.53 crosses and 3.53 interceptions per 90 last season. In attack, Alyssa Thompson is a cheat code who contributes all over the park. She averaged 4.05 dribbles, 3.58 crosses, and 1.88 shots on target per 90 last season.

Set-piece takers

Corners: Chelsea are genuinely spoilt for choice here. Sandy Baltimore and Erin Cuthbert both took plenty last season, and now Katie McCabe arrives as one of the best dead-ball deliverers around. Whoever ends up on them, there are assists to be had here.

Penalties: Another nice problem to have. McCabe, Lauren James, and Baltimore have all taken them at one time or another, so expect one of that trio to step up. Worth watching who grabs the first though.

Direct free kicks: Lauren James is the most likely to have a crack from distance.

Player costs

Chelsea have so many players who could bag you some serious points over the season, so the trick is picking the right one or two.

Lauren James (£7.5m) is definitely the top pick; she delivers goals and assists and has the highest ceiling going. Sandy Baltimore or Ellie Carpenter (£7.0m) would be a smart choice as an attacking full back who brings assists, dribbles and crosses. Additionally, keep half an eye on Aggie Beever-Jones; if she cements her place in the Chelsea attack, there will be plenty of goals.

At the back, Chelsea are always in the mix for the most clean sheets per season, so if you can squeeze in Hannah Hampton or one of the defenders (Veerle Buurman at £5.0m would be a great shout), you're buying into one of the best defensive units in the league.

Make sure to download the WSL Football App ahead of the launch of the Barclays WSL and WSL2 Fantasy game.