WSL champs Chelsea host Spurs on mouthwatering opening day

Women's Super League fans have a super Sunday to relish on the opening day of the season as champions Chelsea kick off their title defence against Tottenham.

After pipping Manchester United to glory by just two points in 2022-23, Emma Hayes' side welcome Spurs to Stamford Bridge to round off what promises to be a pulsating Matchday 1. 

The WSL campaign gets under way on October 1, when all 12 sides will be in action. 

Marc Skinner's United travel to Aston Villa in the curtain-raiser and will be keen to start with a bang having also lost the FA Cup final to Chelsea in May. 

But the hosts will be no pushovers after finishing a club-high fifth last term and a bumper crowd is expected to roar them on at Villa Park. 

That game will be broadcast live on BBC Two in the UK at 12.30pm, while Everton host Brighton at Walton Hall Park in a 1pm kick-off. 

Two fixtures follow at 2pm as Arsenal host Liverpool at the Emirates and newcomers Bristol City welcome Leicester to Ashton Gate. 

West Ham and Manchester City collide at the Chigwell Construction Stadium at 3pm before all eyes switch to the Bridge for the first London derby of the season. 

WSL Matchday 1 fixtures at a glance

Sunday, October 1

Aston Villa vs Manchester United (12.30pm, BBC Two)

Everton vs Brighton (1pm)

Arsenal vs Liverpool (2pm)

Bristol City vs Leicester (2pm)

West Ham vs Manchester City (3pm)

Chelsea vs Tottenham (5.30pm, Sky Sports)

August start for Women's Championship

With the WSL not getting up and running until October, the Women's Championship will keep fans entertained from August 26. 

Birmingham, who finished runners-up last season, head to Ewood Park for a 5.30pm kick-off in the hope of getting their promotion bid off to a flying start. 

The remaining five fixtures of Matchday 1 take place the following day on August 27. 

Newly-promoted Watford tackle Durham at midday, Sunderland host London City Lionesses at 1pm and Crystal Palace face Reading at 2pm. 

Charlton welcome Sheffield United to The Valley for a 3pm showdown and Lewes host Southampton in the final match of the day at 4pm. 

Women's Football Weekend returns

One of the highlights on the calendar in recent seasons has undoubtedly been the Women's Football Weekend. 

Set to take place in 2024 on March 23-24, new and existing fans will again be encouraged to attend fixtures across the women's pyramid during an international window in the men's calendar. 

And if you need extra incentive to mark that weekend in your diary right now, the Manchester derby has been lined up as the jewel in the crown.