The WSL is finally back and this season it is bigger and better due to the leagues expansion. This season sees 14 teams in the league and plenty of exciting players joining thanks to a pretty impressive transfer window. It feels like forever ago that we saw Manchester City lift their first title in 10 years, can we see them lift another trophy this season? Only time will tell. Here is a look at this weekends fixtures...

London City Lionesses vs Manchester United

The season is kicking off with one of the teams all eyes are on this season... London City Lionesses. London City have invested heavily this season with them most noticeably bringing in Alexia Putellas from Barcelona, one of the biggest names in the game currently, are we going to see her help her team to their first 3 points of the campaign tonight and show what they are capable of or are we going to see a team now full of big names that need to learn to play together to maximise their full potential? As for their opponents Manchester United we have seen a lot of change for them this off season too with a managerial departure, plenty of players departing and maybe not as many incomings as we expected. This game is going to be a great one for neutral fans so let's see how it plays out.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

Last season didn't go to plan for either of these teams so they will be coming out with a point to prove this season I am sure. Chelsea have made some strong signings this season and could we see Malard on the scoresheet in her first league game for the club? Chelsea finished 3rd last season and will be wanting to hit the ground running to improve on the ASAP as we all know how tight it can be at the top of the table each season. As for Aston Villa they ended up in the 9th position last season and will be really wanting to prove they can do better but are up against a big test vs Chelsea for their first game. We have seen Villa cause upsets before can they do it again on the opening weekend?

Brighton vs Arsenal

Brighton are one of those teams that just seem to be hovering midtable year after year but could we see this change? Towards the end of last season we saw Brighton really hit a good run of form and saw them cause plenty of obstacles in the title race and they open their campaign against Arsenal, a team they had mixed results against last season. With both these teams bringing in plenty of players but losing a few too we are going to be in for an interesting game which could go either way, again a game perfect for neutral but one that may have fans of either of these teams on the edge of their seats. The question is how will Brighton recently losing their manager effect them for their opening game?

Tottenham vs West Ham

West Ham struggled last season and we didn't see anywhere near the best from them however, they have really invested this off season and it is possible we are going to see them improve on their 10th place finish last season if the team settles down quickly. This should be a good test for both these teams and it should show others what they are going to be capable of. Tottenham have had a fair few ins and outs so again it is going to be interesting to see how those newcomers impact the overall performance.

Crystal Palace vs Everton

Everton has finished 8th in the past 3 seasons so they will be wanting to be hitting the ground running this season to try finish above previous seasons. We have seen that they can often take a while to start picking up the points however, with the summer signings could we see them start the campaign on the right note? Their opponents are Crystal Palace newly promoted back to the WSL. Palace didn't have a good time in their last WSL appearance however, this summer they have added to their ranks, most notably getting Bethany England into the squad. Could we see England get her new team those vital points on opening weekend?

Charlton vs Liverpool 

Newcomers Charlton are hosting Liverpool this weekend, can they pick up their first 3 points of WSL life or will Liverpool spoil the party? Both these teams have lost a fair few players for this season but have also added a few to their ranks but are any of the newcomers going to provide an instant impact? Only time will tell but it is safe to say Charlton will be out there wanting to prove their place in the WSL after playoff victory last season. There may not be a lot of outsiders backing Charlton to do well this season so will they be proving people wrong in week one or will Liverpool show them what top flight football is all about?

Manchester City vs Birmingham

Birmingham possibly have the biggest game of all the newcomers as they head to the Joie Stadium to face the title holders but can they provide the biggest upset of the weekend? Birmingham will be wanting to make their mark on the league early on whilst Manchester City will be wanting to prove they are going to do everything possible to retain their title. Manchester City have been hit by plenty of injuries for the start of the season however, they have shown time after time their squad depth holds plenty of talent for when those injuries hit so will some big names missing be as troublesome for the team as people are making out? This game has the potential to be a high scorer or an upset so which way will it end up going?

Are we going to see any upsets in week one? I guess only time will tell but with it being the opening weekend and teams still getting used to each other anything could happen! Here at Edge of the Area we are so glad the league is back and we are looking forward to covering it throughout the course of the season. Get used to previews, wrap ups and so much more WSL content.