London City Lionesses to Host Manchester United in WSL Season Opener Featuring Alexia Putellas

The London City Lionesses will open the 2026-27 Women’s Super League (WSL) season with a home match against Manchester United on Friday, 4 September. This fixture marks the first competitive outing for the Lionesses after a summer of significant investment, including the high-profile signing of two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas.

The match will take place at Hayes Lane, the Lionesses’ home ground, and is set to draw considerable attention from fans eager to see how the club’s new additions perform. Alongside Putellas, goalkeeper Mary Earps is also making her WSL return in the season opener. Earps, who previously played for Manchester United before a stint at Paris Saint-Germain, rejoined London City Lionesses this summer, adding experience and quality to the squad.

Meanwhile, reigning champions Manchester City will start their title defence against Birmingham, setting the stage for a competitive season ahead. The opening fixtures highlight the growing stature and investment in the WSL, with clubs keen to strengthen their squads and challenge for honours.

The arrival of Putellas and Earps at London City Lionesses signals the club’s ambitions to become a major force in English women’s football. Their presence is expected to elevate the team’s performance and attract increased interest from supporters and media alike.

Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how the Lionesses integrate their new stars and how Manchester United respond to this early challenge. The WSL season opener promises an exciting showcase of talent and competition as the league embarks on another campaign.

Following this opening match, London City Lionesses will look to build momentum as they navigate a demanding fixture list. The early encounters will be crucial in setting the tone for the club’s season objectives, with the broader league race also beginning to take shape.

For more details on the WSL fixtures and season insights, visit The Guardian.