Manchester United will make their Women’s Super League debut against near neighbours Manchester City when the season begins in September.
Casey Stoney’s side won the Championship title by nine points in their inaugural campaign and will make their maiden top-flight appearance at City, who finished runners-up and won the SSE Women’s FA Cup and Continental League Cup last season.
Champions Arsenal are at home to beaten FA Cup finalists West Ham, while Champions League semi-finalists Chelsea start at home to WSL newcomers Tottenham.
The opening round of matches will be played on the weekend of September 7 and 8.
Arsenal forward Danielle Carter believes the WSL can now claim to be the best league in the world.
“The women’s game is coming on leaps and bounds so it is exciting times,” she said at the launch of Arsenal’s new adidas kit.
“Before it was a case of lots of girls going to play in America or Germany, but the WSL has now really put a claim in to be the best in the world.
“It will be interesting to start with a London derby, then there’s the Manchester derby and another London derby so in terms of fans there is something on for everyone so hopefully those opening games will attract big numbers.”
Other opening-weekend matches see Birmingham host Everton, Bristol City at home to Brighton and Reading go to Liverpool.
“It’s a very exciting time for women’s football with the country currently swept up in the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Lionesses performing brilliantly,” said Kelly Simmons, director of the women’s professional game.
“We’re looking forward to this increased interest carrying over into our domestic game next season and beyond.
“The opening weekend is packed full of great fixtures that are sure to set the tone for what promises to be the biggest and most exciting domestic season yet and we look forward to releasing the full fixture list next week.”
The remaining fixtures will be announced next Wednesday.
