Defending Champs Chelsea Face Villa in WSL Season Opener.

Soccer General

Defending Champs Chelsea Face Villa in WSL Season Opener.

WSL champions Chelsea will host Aston Villa on the opening weekend of the new season, marking the start of the Sonia Bompastor era.

Bompastor was appointed Chelsea boss this summer, replacing Emma Hayes, who left after 12 years. The Frenchwoman's first game will be live on the BBC.

Chelsea, the seven-time champions, are the team to beat, but Manchester City, led by Gareth Taylor, seek revenge after last season's narrow loss. City's opening game is against Arsenal, where Vivianne Miedema could debut against her former club.

FA Cup holders Manchester United face West Ham, Leicester City travel to Liverpool, Crystal Palace visit Tottenham, and Brighton host Everton.