Anita Asante believes Chelsea are worthy favourites to be crowned Women's Super League champions for a FIFTH successive season. 

Lionesses legend Asante, 38, represented the Blues, Arsenal and Aston Villa as well as several overseas clubs during a glittering playing career.

Speaking exclusively to LiveScore ahead of the new WSL season, the former midfielder talked up the chances of Emma Hayes' side topping the pile once again. 

Asante said: "It's difficult to bet against them. Winning four straight titles is no mean feat because staying at the top is really difficult.

"To play the number of games they do across all competitions and still achieve that is so impressive. 

"They had injuries to deal with [last term] but they dug deep, which is testament to their squad but also to Emma.

"She's so clever. Always evolving, always seeking how she can improve her team and she's done that time and time again.

"They were one of the clubs who were really active in the transfer market before the World Cup. That shows how much planning goes into it and how efficient their processes are.

"That's why it's hard not to tip them as favourites this season."

Gunner be a threat

Chasing down Chelsea will be Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City, who all had a part to play in last season's title race.

Asante, a key figure as the Gunners secured a famous quadruple in 2007, believes Jonas Eidevall's side will be a major threat as star names return from injury.

She explained: "It was fine margins between Arsenal and Chelsea last term and the season hinged on those vital moments.

"Arsenal missed key players. Getting Leah Williamson, their leader, back fit and keeping Kim Little available as much as possible will be a massive help.

"Then further forward, you have Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema to come back. I think everyone knows a fully-fit Arsenal are a scary prospect.

"Also, they aren't in the Champions League now. Obviously, that's disappointing but it gives them a clear focus on the league.

"It could end up being really beneficial for them."

Might of Manchester

Asante does not see much between the Manchester giants — though she does hold marginally more concern over United's prospects.

While City made headlines with the eye-catching addition of Jill Roord, their local rivals lost Lionesses striker Alessia Russo to Arsenal and blocked goalkeeper Mary Earps' attempts to follow her England colleague.

Asante said: "City flew under the radar last season and injuries were probably behind their slow start. But they finished very strongly.

"I think with a full pre-season behind them with their stars fit, Gareth Taylor's side could be a different prospect entirely.

"The only thing I worry about with United is losing Russo, combined with the possible discontent Earps may be feeling.

"Does she really want to be there? There's a question mark over that and it could impact the whole team's mentality."

Anita Asante is part of the BBC's punditry team for this season's WSL coverage. The curtain-raiser between Aston Villa and Manchester United is live on BBC Two and iPlayer from 12.15pm on Sunday.