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Chelsea boss Emma Hayes expects title challenge from Man City and Arsenal

Image: Emma Hayes: Expecting Man City and Arsenal title challenge

Chelsea Ladies boss Emma Hayes expects both Manchester City Women and Arsenal to launch a title challenge in the FA Women's Super League this season.

Chelsea’s season-opener is Sunday’s visit to Notts County, where former duo Laura Bassett and Rachel Williams face their old side for the first time since leaving the club last year.

Manchester City, who have signed a clutch of international players during the off-season, also kick-off their season on Sunday, with a visit to last season's third-placed side Birmingham.

City now boast six England regulars in their ranks - including four of England's starting back five - and Hayes believes they have enough quality in their squad to sustain a title push.

"With the amount that Manchester City have spent I expect them to be challenging," Hayes told Sky Sports.

"They've made it clear that’s what they want. It's their ambition, it's their culture - they spent lots of money and they're doing that again now with the women's team. They also have a fantastic set-up at the club so I fully expect them to be challengers this season.

“Arsenal will always challenge it's in their blood and I think Lianne Sanderson coming back gives the club a big lift.

“I have huge respect for Arsenal and the work they do there. You can never rule out Arsenal. They've been the best team in this league for 20-odd years.”

Chelsea suffered heartbreak last term after a 1-0 final-day defeat at City saw Liverpool snatch the title from under their noses courtesy of their victory at Bristol.

Striker Eni Aluko is keen to start the new campaign well and hopes the pain of last season can motivate Chelsea to go one better and lift the league this year.

“I’m really excited about Chelsea's season,” the England forward said.

“I think we’ve had a really strong pre-season the players are obviously very motivated from last season.

“We definitely have to hit the ground running this year because the league is going to be very tight. A string of wins can keep us near the top of the league but a string of losses could keep us near the bottom, so we've got to be very focused on winning and making sure we get results.

“It's been well documented that we came so close last year and that can only be a motivation that will strengthen this team and has brought this team closer together.

“I feel like a lot of those girls and the staff are part of my family and have been through one of the worst experiences of my life with me. If that doesn't motivate us and drive us to be better this season the I don’t know what will.”

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