WSL preview: The lowdown on this season’s teams as Man Utd make debut while Arsenal defend their title
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WSL is back and it is set to be bigger than ever.
Following the incredible success of the England team at the World Cup in the summer, the Women's Super League is prepared for a fresh new audience to join their avid followers.
And among the new changes, women's teams will have the chance to play at the bigger stadiums, normally reserved for the men's senior outfits.
The opening weekend will see a Manchester derby between City and newly-promoted United play at the Etihad Stadium, while Stamford Bridge is sold out for Chelsea's clash against Tottenham.
And here, Dean Scoggins previews every team ahead of the new season...
Arsenal
The defending champions Arsenal won their first WSL trophy in seven-years last season.
The Gunners who play at Meadow Park, Borehamwood are managed by ex Melbourne City assistant coach, Joe Montemurro.
One to watch - Last season’s WSL top scorer, Vivianne Miedema from the Netherlands netted 22 goals in 20 games.
Birmingham City
The Blues who finished fourth last season play at The SportNation.bet Stadium in Solihull.
They are managed by former coach of Chile and Peru, Marta Tejedor.
Fun Fact - Lioness and Birmingham City star, Lucy Staniforth went to the same school as Lucy Bronze in Alnwick, Northumberland.
Brighton and Hove Albion
The Seagulls are managed by Hope Powell who coached England for 15 years.
They play at The People’s Pension Stadium, Crawley and finished ninth last season.
One to watch - Goalkeeper Megan Walsh who signed for Brighton in July made the most saves in the WSL last season for Yeovil.
Bristol City
The Vixens who finished sixth last season are managed by Australian-born Tanya Oxtoby.
Their home ground is the Stoke Gifford Stadium in Bristol but they will play their first game of the season at Ashton Gate.
Fun fact - The squad spent time with cows on a dairy farm last season after their manager urged them to learn more about their sponsors, Yeo Valley.
Chelsea
The Blues finished third in the WSL last season and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League and the FA Cup.
They share the Kingsmeadow ground with League One side, AFC Wimbledon but kick start the season at Stamford Bridge against Spurs.
Emma Hayes MBE has managed the side for seven years.
Fun fact - Chelsea and Lionesses defender Millie Bright once worked as a horse groom while at Doncaster Rovers Belles.
Everton
The Toffees who are managed by Scotsman, Willie Kirk, narrowly missed regulation after finishing tenth last season.
They play at the Walton Hall Park, Liverpool which is being revamped so matches can be televised.
One to watch - Summer signing, Maeva Clemaron in midfield played a key part in the French team that reached the World Cup quarter-finals.
Liverpool
The two-time winners of the WSL are managed by English coach, Vicky Jepson.
The Reds share Prenton Park, Birkenhead with League One side Tranmere Rovers.
Fun fact - The squad spent two days in pre-season training with the Royal Marines.
Manchester City
Last season’s FA Cup winners and WSL runners-up are managed by English coach, Nick Cushing.
They play at The Academy Stadium, Manchester but will open their campaign at the Etihad Stadium against rivals Manchester United.
Fun fact –Manchester City goalkeeper, Karen Bardsley worked at Disneyland for a year as Goofy and Tigger.
Manchester United
The newly promoted Reds are managed by ex-England captain, Casey Stoney.
They were only formed in May 2018 and play at the Leigh Sports Village, Leigh.
Fun fact – Defender Abbie McManus who signed in summer used to work as a Manchester City kit woman before turning professional with the side.
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Reading
Reading reached the FA Cup semi-finals last season with English coach, Kelly Chambers.
They play at Adams Park, High Wycombe, home to the men’s League One side Wycombe Wanderers and will play some games at the Madejski Stadium.
One to watch – Norway’s Amalie Eikeland who was part of the World Cup Squad in summer.
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs compete in the top flight for the first time in their history after securing promotion as second-tier runners-up.
They play at The Hive in Harrow but will play some of their games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Coaching duo Karen Hills and Juan Amoros manage the side.
One to watch – New signing Gemma Davison is a four-time WSL winner with Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea.
West Ham United
The Hammers who were runners-up in the FA Cup last season are managed by Matt Beard.
They play at the Rush Green Stadium but face Spurs at the London Stadium on September 29.
Fun fact – The managing director of the side, Jack Sullivan age 19 is the youngest football boss in Britain. He was appointed in 2017 by his father and owner of West Ham, David Sullivan.
