The 2022/23 WSL season kicks off on Friday evening as Arsenal welcome Brighton to Borehamwood.
The Gunners narrowly missed out on the title by a single point last term, and – buoyed by boasting three members of England’s Euro 2022 winning squad – will be attempting to end Chelsea’s run of domestic dominance and finish top of the pile for the first time since 2019.
Arsenal face a Brighton side who have comfortably established themselves in the WSL after years of shrewd investment, but have lost a number of key players during the summer transfer window.
When is kick off? Friday 16 September, 19:30 (BST)
Where is the match being played? Meadow Park, Borehamwood
TV channel/livestream? FA Player (UK & international)
Jonas Eidevall has confirmed that Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord are both available, after the pair picked up knocks on international duty with Australia earlier this month.
Jordan Nobbs and Rafaelle are also in contention to feature, having both missed the tail end of the 2021/22 season through injury.
New-signing Rebekah Stott will miss out for Brighton as she continues her recovery from ankle surgery.
Megan Connelly is a further absentee, after suffering a fractured rib and bruised kidney while away on international duty.
Arsenal: Zinsberger; Maritz, Rafaelle, Williamson, Catley; Walti, Little, Miedema; Mead, Blackstenius, Foord.
Brighton: Walsh, Pattinson, Williams, Fox, Kullberg; Sarri, Ye-eun, Zigiotte Olme, Green; Lee, Carter.
Arsenal will be expected to be challenging at the very top of the WSL again this season. Although fans may be concerned about the minimal summer transfer window activity, it should be noted that the Gunners did recruit substantially last January. Vivianne Miedema signing a new contract was a huge boost for the club, while Beth Mead is in the form of her life.
Brighton are looking a little bit short defensively after last season’s regular starters Danique Kerkdijk and Maya Le Tissier departed in the summer, in addition to Stott’s injury, and the Gunners should have too much firepower for the Seagulls on Friday evening.