WSL opening fixtures: Manchester City visit Arsenal, Chelsea host Aston Villa | OneFootball

Chelsea will begin their push for a sixth straight Women’s Super League title against Aston Villa at Kingsmeadow but the most striking fixture in the opening round takes Manchester City to Arsenal.

City, who finished behind Chelsea on goal difference last season in pursuit of a first WSL title since 2016, will be hosted at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday 22 September in a 12.30pm kick-off. The match takes Vivianne Miedema back to Arsenal after she joined City at the end of her contract.

Chelsea start under their new manager, Sonia Bompastor, who has taken over from Emma Hayes, on Sunday. The former Lyon coach’s first game in charge against Villa will be shown live by the BBC, and she faces a tricky run of opening fixtures. Chelsea visit top-flight debutants Crystal Palace in a Friday night game before hosting Manchester United and then visiting Arsenal in their third and fourth matches.

United, who won the FA Cup last season under Marc Skinner, will host West Ham. Liverpool, who won four out of their final five games last term, host Leicester, while Brighton welcome Everton. and promoted Palace make the trip to Tottenham.

The 22-game season will feature a winter break between 15 December and 19 January. The final day of the season, on 11 May next year, will see Chelsea host Liverpool, Arsenal entertain Manchester United and City welcome Crystal Palace.

WSL key fixtures

Week one:Arsenal v Manchester City (12.30pm)Brighton v EvertonChelsea v Aston VillaLiverpool v Leicester CityManchester United v West HamTottenham v Crystal PalaceAll games to be played 22 Sept

Round two:Crystal Palace v Chelsea (27 Sept, 7.30pm)Aston Villa v TottenhamEverton v Manchester UnitedLeicester v ArsenalManchester City v Brighton (12.30pm)West Ham v LiverpoolAll games 29 Sept unless stated

Round three:Arsenal v EvertonBrighton v Aston VillaChelsea v Manchester UnitedLeicester v Crystal PalaceManchester City v West HamTottenham v LiverpoolAll games 6 October

Round four:Arsenal v ChelseaAston Villa v LeicesterCrystal Palace v BrightonEverton v West HamLiverpool v Manchester CityManchester United v TottenhamAll games 13 October

Final round:Arsenal v Manchester UnitedAston Villa v BrightonChelsea v LiverpoolEverton v TottenhamLeicester v West HamManchester City v Crystal PalaceAll games 11 May 2025Full WSL fixture list

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