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 West Ham United face Aston Villa today in the WSL:
West Ham United WFC 2 - 2 Aston Villa WFC
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:48
First Half ends, West Ham United Women 2, Aston Villa Women 2.
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:48
Attempt missed. Shekiera Martinez (West Ham United Women) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. Assisted by Seraina Piubel following a fast break.
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:47
Fourth official has announced 2 minutes of added time.
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:46
Shekiera Martinez (West Ham United Women) is shown the yellow card.
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:45
Noëlle Maritz (Aston Villa Women) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:40
Lucy Parker (Aston Villa Women) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:40
Foul by Lucy Parker (Aston Villa Women).
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:38
Goal! West Ham United Women 2, Aston Villa Women 2. Rachel Daly (Aston Villa Women) right footed shot from outside the box.
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:38
Miri Taylor (Aston Villa Women) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:38
Foul by Miri Taylor (Aston Villa Women).
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:37
Hand ball by (West Ham United Women).
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:36
Goal! West Ham United Women 2, Aston Villa Women 1. Riko Ueki (West Ham United Women) left footed shot from very close range to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Katrina Gorry.
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:34
Noëlle Maritz (Aston Villa Women) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:34
Attempt saved. Missy Kearns (Aston Villa Women) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Rachel Daly with a headed pass.
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:34
Attempt blocked. Rachel Daly (Aston Villa Women) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Ebony Salmon with a cross.
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:32
Rachel Daly (Aston Villa Women) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:29
Ebony Salmon (Aston Villa Women) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:27
Attempt saved. Seraina Piubel (West Ham United Women) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Oona Siren.
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:27
Attempt blocked. Rachel Daly (Aston Villa Women) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Mayumi Pacheco.
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:22
Foul by Miri Taylor (Aston Villa Women).
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:20
Goal! West Ham United Women 1, Aston Villa Women 1. Shekiera Martinez (West Ham United Women) header from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Verena Hanshaw with a cross.
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:17
Offside, Aston Villa Women. Jordan Nobbs is caught offside.
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:15
Attempt saved. Rachel Daly (Aston Villa Women) header from the centre of the box is saved.
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:13
Attempt missed. Viviane Asseyi (West Ham United Women) header from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Seraina Piubel with a cross.
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:13
Attempt blocked. Riko Ueki (West Ham United Women) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Shekiera Martinez.
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:08
Corner, Aston Villa Women. Conceded by Amber Tysiak.
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:06
Goal! West Ham United Women 0, Aston Villa Women 1. Ebony Salmon (Aston Villa Women) right footed shot from the right side of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Rachel Daly with a through ball.
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
15:01
First Half begins.
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
14:30
Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
13:00
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