challenger

Sonia Bompastor's side finished 12 points clear of Arsenal last season, but with a busy transfer window behind them the Gunners will hope to be closer challengers.

They had a bruising year in 2024, and found themselves in an unlikely position: protecting their own incumbents from challengers seeking to oust them.

Their display has done little damage to their reputation as tournament challengers, with favourites England no doubt watching on before their round-two game against Samoa.

I think we'll find out a lot about Manchester City and whether they can be challengers because Brighton away is a difficult fixture.

These challengers often criticize the seniority of older lawmakers.