BBC Women's Football Weekly

Ben and Ellen are joined by Em Sanders to dissect a fiery London derby at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea claimed bragging rights over Arsenal.

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Ben Haines and Ellen White are together in the studio to break down a big weekend of domestic action and preview the return of European football!

First up, the team react to Manchester City maintaining their 100% start to the WSL campaign and Lauren Hemp’s current form, before diving into Tottenham’s dominant victory over 10-player Crystal Palace. Attention then turns to Manchester United taking a massive step forward under Eva Olid against Arsenal, with special praise for their standout summer signing, Andrea Medina.

The UEFA Women’s Champions League returns this week! Ben and Ellen discuss which WSL side faces the toughest draw in the league phase and whether any English team has done enough in the transfer market to bridge the gap to European royalty, Barcelona and Lyon.

Plus, Chelsea star Alyssa Thompson sits down with Em Sanders to discuss her second season in London and Chelsea's European ambitions, and Bethan Woolley, Head of Women & Girls’ Football at the FAW, joins the pod to react to the huge news that Cardiff will host the 2029 UWCL final.

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London City Lionesses owner and businesswoman Michele Kang joins The Football Interview to discuss her ambitious vision for women's football, from transforming London City Lionesses and signing global stars to building world-class facilities for female athletes.

Michele chats to Kelly Somers about her upbringing in South Korea, how she ended up investing in women's football and her ultimate desire to close the 'indefensible' gap between girls and boys.

Ben Haines and Ellen White are back! First up, they dissect Arsenal’s frustrating goalless draw against Crystal Palace at the Emirates. Despite dominating possession, the Gunners failed to find a clinical edge in front of goal - what could dropping early points mean for their title charge? Ellen and Ben also react to Chelsea’s dominance and Manchester City maintaining their 100% start to the WSL season.

Former England and Manchester United goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain joins the pod as the team take a deep dive into the rise of club and confederation-funded fertility care, IVF assistance, and egg-freezing options. Ellen and Siobhan examine how far the sport has progressed since their playing days and how increased fertility support and knowledge benefits players on and off the pitch.

Siobhan also gives her thoughts on Manchester United’s transition period under new head coach Eva Olid, before the team react to the newly revealed 2026 Ballon d'Or Féminin shortlist. With stars like Alessia Russo and Bunny Shaw in the mix, can a WSL player finally conquer Barcelona’s dominance over the award?

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Burnley manager Jackie Bachteler sat down with Emma Sanders to talk about contracting sepsis and how nine months ago she was fighting for her life.

The American had just joined the club to work with the women's first team and men's academy but three weeks later, Bachteler was rushed to A&E and diagnosed with sepsis - a life-threatening illness that left her bedridden for days.

Jackie talks very honestly about how it took her months to recover and she still suffers from regular post-sepsis symptoms today.

Burnley host Sunderland in the WSL2 on Sunday which coincides with World Sepsis Day.

Arsenal's Kyra Cooney-Cross opens up to Jo Currie about the death of her mother two months ago. Kyra's mum was diagnosed with stage four cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of bile duct cancer, in January of this year.

Kyra talks about navigating grief and how her mum helped her football career. Kyra returned to football after six months away from the game, but credits her teammates and the club for their support during an incredibly difficult period.

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this podcast, help and support is available at BBC Action Line.

Ben and Ellen are joined by The Guardian's Tom Garry as the WSL returns! Kick off times have changed this season, what is the best time for a women's football audience to have games played? Is the Sunday evening match a good idea and who does it appeal to most?

Elsewhere London City Lionesses started strongly with some of the biggest global stars in their line up, however none of their starting XI were English.

Tom and Ellen debate what this means for football in England and the development of the game. Should the league be doing more to help home grown talent?

Plus an investigation is under way after Crystal Palace breached a rule by using four substitution windows in their 1-0 win over Everton.

Em Sanders is at Anfield for the final stop of our media day tour before the WSL season kicks off on Friday!

First up, Gareth Taylor sits down with Em to discuss consistent behaviours on and off the pitch, having a full pre-season with the squad, and his passion for gardening. Scottish midfielder Sam Kerr also drops by to reflect on her leadership style and driving standards in the squad.

Plus, two summer arrivals join the pod. England goalkeeper Khiara Keating talks reuniting with Gareth Taylor, maturing on and off the pitch, and her ambitions with both Liverpool and the Lionesses, while Sara Agrež discusses her defensive attributes and inspiring the next generation of young girls in Slovenia.

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00:04 - Em Sanders is at Anfield for the final media day diary episode!

The Women's Super League is back on Friday and Ellen White and Ben Haines have returned for a new season of the Women's Football Weekly!

Ellen shares her thoughts on the biggest summer transfers, plus Em Sanders joins the pod to take a closer look at some of the under-the-radar signings that could quietly define the campaign.

The team also looks ahead to a massive opening night under the lights in Bromley, where headline-making London City Lionesses kick off the season against a Manchester United side starting a new era under head coach Eva Olid. Plus, the panel reacts to Dario Vidosic's shock departure from Brighton and evaluate the swift succession plan that brought in new manager Arturo Ruiz.

While many European stars enjoyed a rare extended summer break, the major tournament action continued in Morocco for an unforgettable Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Ali Howorth stops by to give us the lowdown on the tournament, including Cameroon's historic first-ever title win. To wrap things up, Ellen gives us her pre-season predictions - so look away now, Lauren Hemp!

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Ben Haines is down at Hotspur Way for the next stop of our media day tour!

With Tottenham’s summer transfer business signalling serious ambition, head coach Martin Ho sits down with Ben to discuss being talked about as genuine WSL contenders, plus how meditation and golf help him decompress off the pitch.

Two of Spurs’ high-profile summer arrivals also drop by. Vic Pelova reflects on making the rare move across North London, their pre-season camp in Spain, and rediscovering her best self. Plus, Kirsty Hanson, the WSL’s third-highest goalscorer last season, discusses building on that form and what drew her to Spurs’ style of play.

Rounding things off, Norwegian duo Tinka Tandberg and Signe Gaupset heap praise on each other, discuss embracing the hype around Spurs and celebrate their connection with the fans.

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