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 Aston Villa face Brighton & Hove Albion today in the WSL:
Aston Villa WFC 1 - 0 Brighton & Hove Albion WFC
Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion
12:58
Foul by Rachel Daly (Aston Villa Women).
Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion
12:58
Maisie Symonds (Brighton and Hove Albion Women) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion
12:54
Hand ball by Kiko Seike (Brighton and Hove Albion Women).
Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion
12:53
Danielle Turner (Aston Villa Women) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion
12:53
Delay over. They are ready to continue.
Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion
12:47
Delay in match because of an injury Missy Kearns (Aston Villa Women).
Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion
12:45
Attempt saved. Michelle Agyemang (Brighton and Hove Albion Women) right footed shot from outside the box is saved.
Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion
12:41
Attempt saved. Michelle Agyemang (Brighton and Hove Albion Women) right footed shot from very close range is saved in the centre of the goal.
Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion
12:36
Goal! Aston Villa Women 1, Brighton and Hove Albion Women 0. Ebony Salmon (Aston Villa Women) right footed shot from outside the box.
Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion
12:36
Attempt missed. Bruna Vilamala (Brighton and Hove Albion Women) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses the top left corner. Assisted by Kiko Seike.
Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion
12:35
Offside, Aston Villa Women. Rachel Daly is caught offside.
Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion
12:35
Foul by Missy Kearns (Aston Villa Women).
Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion
12:33
Attempt missed. Rachel Daly (Aston Villa Women) right footed shot from the centre of the box.
Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion
12:32
First Half begins.
Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion
12:00
Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion
10:30
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