WITH the 2020 season of Vitality Superleague Netball (VNSL) set to commence on the weekend expect plenty of fireworks. After a disappointing 2019 the Strathclyde Sirens and London Pulse will be hoping to climbs the ranks while the Wasps and Manchester Thunder will be hoping to continue their reign at the top of the table.

Potential top four:

It is hard to see the top four changing too much from last year’s finalists given the limited changeover of players and the high level at which these sides played at. With the grand final loss still fresh in their memory, expect the Wasps to come out with a real vengeance and look to go one better in season 2020. They have a high calibre of players with the likes of Rachel Dunn, Fran Williams and Jade Clarke crucial cogs across the court for the Wasps making them the team to beat this season. But the Wasps will have to combat Manchester Thunder who have gone from strength to strength in recent years thanks to the plethora of talent across the court. The experience of Caroline O’Hanlon and Joyce Mvula makes them an unstoppable force while the steady development of Amy Carter and Laura Malcolm is an ominous thought. Throw in the likes of goaler Eleanor Cardwell and Manchester could be shaping up to be premiership contenders. Another possible top four contender is Team Bath who showed they have the skill to take it to the top teams but suffered from inconsistency. Bath have lost superstar Serena Guthrie with the talented midcourter stepping away but her absence will allow the likes of Imogen Alison to step up to the plate. Aussie goaler Kim Commane has proven to be rock solid under the post while the development of Sophie Drakeford-Lewis and Summer Artman could be the winning edge they are looking for. The Mavericks showed plenty of strong sings last season and once again will be pushing for a top four spot after falling just short in season 2019. New recruit Jodie Gibson could be the missing piece for Saracens with her defensive pressure and experience pairing with the likes of Razia Quashie down back. Towering goal shooter George Fisher is another key player to keep an eye on for the Mavs while sisters Kadeen and Sasha Corbin are a dynamic duo. If all things go to plan, they could quite easily leapfrog fellow teams and make their way into finals.

Finals contenders:

After making the finals last year it will be hard for Loughborough to be discounted from the finals talk given their ability to apply full court pressure and a relatively unchanged line-up. Boasting the likes of Nat Panagarry and Mary Cholhok the Lightning are a real chance to make it into the top four again but with other teams strengthening and recruiting key players may be edged out of contention. It is hard to not consider Severn Stars as a possible top four side after claiming sixth spot last season and adding the likes of Ama Agbeze, Nia Jones and midcourter Liana Leota to the fold in 2020. They have all the makings to be a high-quality side, but suffer from inconsistency, something they will be hoping to iron out this year. After finishing mid-table last season the Celtic Dragons could be in for a challenging 2020 but still have the likes of Dee Bolakoro and new-comer Latanya Wilson to lead the way in the defensive end. They have welcomed a wealth of new players into the fray with Rebekah Robinson and Shona O’Dwyer also entering the mix meaning it may take some time for the side to settle into a rhythm and really hit their straps.

Outsiders:

Despite the inclusion of South African shooting star Sigi Burger it could be another tricky year for London Pulse. Burger will offer a great target under the post with her height and strong holds while the addition of Michelle Drayne could add further star power to the shooting circle. The Strathclyde Sirens have a relatively unchanged line-up heading into 2020 and will be hoping to find better connections across the court to put out a more consistent four quarter performance. Recruit Zanele Vimbela will add a wealth of excitement to the Sirens defensive stocks while shooters Bethan Gooden and Emma Barrie have proven to be a dynamic duo when on song. After finishing eighth on the ladder the Surrey Storm will be hoping to improve their rankings this year thanks to the recruitment of goaler Karyn Bailey but could be a star player or two away from really taking it to the top teams.