Carter in, Charles out: Predicting Chelsea’s 2023/2024 starting XI

Central midfield: Erin Cuthbert (Scotland) 

Only three west Londoners last season had more goal contributions than the Scottish international Erin Cuthbert in the WSL. The 25-year-old is the glue of the midfield. The Blues’ No. 22 recorded the most ball recoveries on the west London outfit in 2022/2023 while scoring numerous crackers from outside the box. Despite missing a few games in March after sustaining a knock in the Conti Cup final, the midfielder was a work horse against both Lyon and Barcelona in the Champions League. She would go on to finish in the campaign in the English top-flight with four goal contributions in her last five contests.

She may have not been at the World Cup, like many of her club teammates, but the Scot still played a part in her national team’s success. Cuthbert contributed all 90 minutes in two friendlies in July, scoring a goal against Northern Ireland in a 3-0 triumph for Scotland.

Central midfield: Melanie Leupolz (Germany)

At this time last year, CFCW’s No. 8 Melanie Leupolz was preparing to have her first child. She went on to give birth to a baby boy in October, and miraculously returned to the pitch just a few months later in February against Tottenham Hotspur. The German started in nine fixtures in the WSL and Champions League toward the conclusion of the season, consistently piecing together quality performances in the middle of the pitch.

Her productivity for someone coming back following a pregnancy was remarkable. Leupolz demonstrated that having a family and playing the game of football can coincide together. Her German teammate Sjoeke Nüsken and Welsh captain Sophie Ingle will provide the depth for this side in a potential double pivot.

Central attacking midfield: Fran Kirby (England)

The English international Fran Kirby suffered another major setback against West Ham United in the Conti Cup in February. The midfielder underwent surgery, and has been completely focused on recovering in time for the new club season ahead.

On the club’s website this past week, the Blues’ No. 14 seems to be in positive spirits, competing in what she says is her first “proper” pre-season in some time. For someone with the injury history of Kirby, that has to feel reinvigorating. Before the CFCW great went down, she contributed to eight goals including three in an 8-0 victory over Leicester City in the beginning of December.

Right wing: Lauren James (England)

Coming off the World Cup, more than just women’s football fans know who Lauren James is. The England international has broken the name “Reece James’ sister” off her back, becoming one of the most talented young female footballers in today’s game. James had 19 more successful dribbles in the WSL than any west Londoner during the run to the team’s fourth straight league title.

The winger had her first real season in blue in 2022/2023, donning Ji So-yun’s No. 10. That was just a sneak peak. There is still so much room for the 21-year-old to grow, especially in the goal involvement stand point for the west London outfit. Her sensational outing on the world stage this summer on the pitch will hopefully carry into the club campaign.