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 Everton face Aston Villa today in the WSL:
Everton WFC 0 - 1 Aston Villa WFC
Everton vs Aston Villa
18:02
Goal! Everton Women 0, Aston Villa Women 1. Rachel Daly (Aston Villa Women) header from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Noëlle Maritz with a cross.
Everton vs Aston Villa
17:59
Attempt saved. Toni Payne (Everton Women) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved.
Everton vs Aston Villa
17:59
Corner, Aston Villa Women. Conceded by Courtney Brosnan.
Everton vs Aston Villa
17:57
Attempt missed. Adriana Leon (Aston Villa Women) left footed shot from outside the box.
Everton vs Aston Villa
17:57
Delay over. They are ready to continue.
Everton vs Aston Villa
17:57
Delay in match because of an injury Katja Snoeijs (Everton Women).
Everton vs Aston Villa
17:53
Foul by Hayley Ladd (Everton Women).
Everton vs Aston Villa
17:53
Paula Tomás (Aston Villa Women) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Everton vs Aston Villa
17:49
Foul by Paula Tomás (Aston Villa Women).
Everton vs Aston Villa
17:49
Attempt blocked. Jill Baijings (Aston Villa Women) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
Everton vs Aston Villa
17:48
Corner, Aston Villa Women. Conceded by Courtney Brosnan.
Everton vs Aston Villa
17:48
Attempt saved. Adriana Leon (Aston Villa Women) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Paula Tomás.
Everton vs Aston Villa
17:46
Corner, Aston Villa Women. Conceded by Courtney Brosnan.
Everton vs Aston Villa
17:46
Attempt saved. Anna Patten (Aston Villa Women) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved.
Everton vs Aston Villa
17:46
Attempt blocked. Jordan Nobbs (Aston Villa Women) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
Everton vs Aston Villa
17:44
Corner, Aston Villa Women. Conceded by Courtney Brosnan.
Everton vs Aston Villa
17:46
Attempt saved. Ebony Salmon (Aston Villa Women) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner.
Everton vs Aston Villa
17:43
Offside, Everton Women. Toni Payne is caught offside.
Everton vs Aston Villa
17:43
Hand ball by Jordan Nobbs (Aston Villa Women).
Everton vs Aston Villa
17:43
Attempt blocked. Gabi Nunes (Aston Villa Women) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Paula Tomás.
Everton vs Aston Villa
17:41
Attempt missed. Lucy Hope (Everton Women) right footed shot from the left side of the box.
Everton vs Aston Villa
17:33
Ebony Salmon (Aston Villa Women) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Everton vs Aston Villa
17:32
First Half begins.
Everton vs Aston Villa
17:00
Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Everton vs Aston Villa
15:30
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