Chelsea host Villa on opening WSL weekend

Women’s Super League champions Chelsea will open the new season by hosting Aston Villa, marking the start of the Sonia Bompastor era.

Bompastor, who was appointed Chelsea manager earlier this summer, takes over from Emma Hayes, who departed Stamford Bridge after 12 years.

The Frenchwoman’s first match in charge will be broadcast live on the BBC.

Chelsea, the seven-time champions, will again be a formidable force, but Manchester City will be seeking revenge after narrowly missing out on the title last season due to goal difference.

City, managed by Gareth Taylor, will face Arsenal in their opening match. This game could see Vivianne Miedema make her City debut against her former club, following her summer transfer to Manchester.

FA Cup holders Manchester United will play against West Ham United, while Leicester City will travel to Liverpool.

Crystal Palace will visit FA Cup final runners-up Tottenham, and Brighton will host Everton.

The dates and times for the opening weekend fixtures, scheduled for September 21-22, will be announced in the coming weeks.

WSL opening weekend fixtures

Arsenal v Manchester City

Brighton v Everton

Chelsea v Aston Villa

Liverpool v Leicester City

Manchester United v West Ham

Tottenham v Crystal Palace