For the third successive year, there will be three English teams competing in the Women's Champions League.
However, this is arguably the first time that all three -- Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal -- can seem themsevles as contenders.
ESPN breaks down why each of them will and won't win the competition this year.
Manchester City
Why they will win the UWCL: Two words -- Khadija Shaw. Having arguably the best forward in the world instantly makes City one of the favourites to win the competition. The Jamaica international scored 21 goals in 22 games last year to win her third successive Golden Boot and guide City to their first league title in 10 years. England has been conquered, now Europe is in her sights.
The juggernaut has carried into the new season. Shaw has already scored four goals and City have a perfect record after their first three matches. Striker and club, both, have the wind in their sails.
Why they won't win the UWCL: Of all the three English sides, City have the least European pedigree. In the last four years, they've made it into the main draw just once. That appearance came in the 2024-25 season, where they took a 2-0 lead over Chelsea in the quarterfinal first leg only to crumble horribly and concede thrice in the first half of the return leg.
City looked painfully overawed by the occasion and lacked the experience to navigate the tie. While last season's double allayed doubts over their mentality, it remains to be seen if that can be translated onto the European stage.
Andrée Jeglertz's side benefited from not being in the Champions League last season. Finding the balance between domestic and European priorities this year is where things could get tricky for City.
Arsenal
Why they will win the UWCL: The Gunners' primary aim for the season was to win the WSL for the first time since 2019. But, five points from a possible nine in their opening three matches has already put them on the backfoot. And, they haven't even played title rivals Manchester City and Chelsea yet.
There's still a long way to go in the season, but the stuttering start makes it likely that European success will be where attention shifts to. Under Renee Slegers, the Gunners have shown themselves to be an able cup side. The gritty win in the all-English quarterfinal last season against Chelsea showed their mettle, and they were a marginal VAR call away from reaching a second successive UWCL final. This isn't a squad that wilts under pressure and their summer outlay means they have the depth to make a deep run.
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Why they won't win the UWCL: The Gunners face a tricky fixture list in the League Phase and will play both of last year's finalists in Barcelona and OL Lyonnes. The clash against Barça will be at Camp Nou, a venue the Spanish side have never lost at. They also face a trip to Paris FC, the side that dumped them out of the competition in 2023. There isn't much margin for error.
Questions remain over the Gunners' attacking potency. In their opening three matches, they scored just twice from 60 shots. They were held to a goalless draw at home against newly-promoted Crystal Palace and needed a late equaliser against a poor Manchester United side. Last season showed that in the latter stages of the competition, the ability to outscore your opponent trumped defensive solidity.
Chelsea
Why they will win the UWCL: For the first time in five years, Chelsea didn't begin this season as WSL defending champions. The Blues finished third in the table last season and the Subway Cup was the sole piece of silverware they won. It was a hugely disappointing campaign but there may be a silver lining from it.
Chelsea's unprecedented domestic dominance made the Champions League an obsession for them. And in the past, they have been guilty of almost wanting it too much. But this year, reclaiming their WSL crown will take as much of a priority as European success. A Champions League campaign that isn't as fueled by emotion will work in their favour.
The squad too has been refreshed, with many of those who carried the scars of past years having left the club.
Why they won't win the UWCL: Chelsea's lack of threat in front of goal was a big reason behind their failures last season and it could be an issue again this year.
While Melvine Malard's signing from Man United will help address this, questions remain over her consistency. She has hit double figures only once in the last four years. Manaka Matsukubo has arrived from the NWSL with a strong reputation but has never played in the UWCL before.
