The FA Women’s Super League 2020/21 opening weekend fixtures have been announced.
After coronavirus forced last campaign into an early finish, England’s top flight is finally back in action.
The opening weekend will commence on Sunday, September 6. Here’s a complete list of the fixtures and what to expect from each match.
Manchester United vs Chelsea (12:00 BST)
Embed from Getty ImagesWho? The reigning WSL champions will kick off their new season against Casey Stoney’s rising stars. The Red Devils finished fourth in their first top tier campaign last time round.
Where? United will host the 2019/20 winners at Leigh Sports Village.
What to expect? Both sides have welcomed some exciting new additions to their ranks this summer. Watch out for Melanie Leupolz and Jessie Fleming of Chelsea along with United’s statement signing Lucy Staniforth.
Arsenal vs Reading (14:00 BST)
Embed from Getty ImagesWho? The Gunners missed out on winning consecutive titles last season but could be ready to snatch back their crown this time.
Reading will be looking to sneak into the top four after finishing two points behind Man United last term.
Where? It’s a home game for Arsenal, who will welcome the Royals for an early afternoon kick-off at Meadow Park.
What to expect? This could be the match to focus on as recent Reading signings Emma Mitchell and Danielle Carter could both start against their former side.
Arsenal boast new defensive recruits Lydia Williams and Noelle Maritz.
Aston Villa vs Manchester City (14:00 BST)
Who? The newly-promoted Villains will take on runners up Manchester City in what should be a thrilling opening weekend match.
The Citizens finished an agonising one point behind champions Chelsea last season.
Where? City are preparing to enter the lions’ den. Aston Villa will play host to the WSL heavyweights.
What to expect? Man City have made some blockbuster signings this summer, including Alex Greenwood and Lucy Bronze from Lyon. The two Lionesses could really be a problem for Villa at the back.
Gemma Davies’ side have also been busy recruiting; keep an eye out for ex-Birmingham star Chloe Arthur.
Brighton vs Birmingham City (14:00 BST)
Embed from Getty ImagesWho? Two similar-calibre sides will locks horns in their first match of the new campaign. Birmingham narrowly survived relegation with Brighton finishing on 13 points.
Where? The south coast will welcome the Blues as Brighton open up the People’s Pension Stadium for business.
What to expect? The Seagulls have done well to bolster their squad so far. Man City’s Lee Geum-min has joined on loan and Inessa Kaagman makes a permanent move from Everton.
Also expect the long-awaited return of Laura Rafferty, who is due back from an ACL injury.
Bristol City vs Everton (14:00 BST)
Embed from Getty ImagesWho? Bristol struggled last term and will be looking to come flying out of the blocks with an opening home win. Everton will travel from Merseyside to try and spoil the Vixens’ day.
Where? The Blues will take to the road to travel to Bristol’s Twerton Park.
What to expect? The WSL is yet to see Izzy Christiansen in action for Everton and she could be set for her debut. The Toffees have also recruited the likes of Valerie Gauvin and Poppy Pattinson, who will clash against her former club.
City could hand debuts to the likes of Jemma Purfield, Megan Wynne and Aimee Palmer.
Tottenham Hotspur vs West Ham (14:00 BST)
Embed from Getty ImagesWho? The two London sides will battle it out to start their season off right. Both finished mid-table last campaign and will hope for an improvement in results this time.
Where? Spurs will re-open the gates of The Hive and enjoy their first home fixture of the term.
What to expect? The Irons boast the signing of young defender Maz Pacheco from Reading. They have also welcomed the likes of Mackenzie Arnold and Nor Mustafa through the door.
Spurs scooped Birmingham duo Kerys Harrop and Rachel Williams, whose experience will hugely benefit the North London outfit.
Keep up to date with more WSL signings with our live transfer tracker.
