The new Women's Super League marks the start of a new era for reigning champions Chelsea, with long-serving boss Emma Hayes having departed in summer to start a new adventure with the USA Women's team.
Last year they just about did enough to claim the title on goal difference ahead of Manchester City, while Arsenal will again hope to make it a three-horse race for the WSL title. Meanwhile Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham will hope to progress after further rebuilding this summer.
Crystal Palace were promoted to replace Bristol City in the top flight, while on a wider note, the league is now under the management and operation of a new organisation set up to lead women's football towards further growth and progression, with Nikki Doucet overseeing both the WSL and Championship in a new phase for the game.
Follow the live action below as Arsenal face Aston Villa today in the WSL:
Arsenal WFC 1 - 0 Aston Villa WFC
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
14:24
Offside, Arsenal Women. Caitlin Foord is caught offside.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
14:22
Rachel Daly (Aston Villa Women) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
14:22
Attempt missed. Kyra Cooney-Cross (Arsenal Women) right footed shot from outside the box is too high.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
14:24
Attempt saved. Frida Maanum (Arsenal Women) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
14:22
Attempt saved. Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal Women) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Caitlin Foord.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
14:19
Goal! Arsenal Women 1, Aston Villa Women 0. Alessia Russo (Arsenal Women) header from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Kyra Cooney-Cross with a cross following a set piece situation.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
14:19
Anna Patten (Aston Villa Women) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
14:19
Foul by Anna Patten (Aston Villa Women).
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
14:17
Foul by Ebony Salmon (Aston Villa Women).
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
14:17
Steph Catley (Arsenal Women) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
14:16
Attempt saved. Katie McCabe (Arsenal Women) left footed shot from outside the box is saved.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
14:15
Foul by Rachel Daly (Aston Villa Women).
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
14:15
Attempt blocked. Caitlin Foord (Arsenal Women) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
14:15
Corner, Arsenal Women. Conceded by Sarah Mayling.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
14:12
Offside, Arsenal Women. Beth Mead is caught offside.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
14:10
Foul by Kirsty Hanson (Aston Villa Women).
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
14:08
Offside, Arsenal Women. Alessia Russo is caught offside.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
14:13
Chasity Grant (Aston Villa Women) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
14:02
First Half begins.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
13:30
Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
12:00
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