WSL: Everything you need to know about the 2016 Women's Super League

A look ahead to the 2016 Women's Super League season

Manchester City's Maria Hourihan, Birmingham City's Aoife Mannion, Sunderland's Beth Mead, Arsenal's Jemma Rose, Chelsea's Jade Bailey, Doncaster Rovers Belles Natasha Dowie, Notts County's Laura Bassett, Reading's Amber Stobbs and Liverpool's Siobhan Chamberlain (PA)

Arsenal Ladies

Home ground: Boreham Wood FC

Manager: Pedro Martinez Losa

Key transfers - In: Fara Williams, Asisat Oshoala (both Liverpool), Josephine Henning (Paris SG), Danielle van de Donk (Koppabergs Goteborg).

Out: Siobhan Chamberlain (Liverpool), Jade Bailey (Chelsea), Rachel Yankey (Notts County, loan)

Verdict: One-time perennial champions’ chances of regaining prominence are enhanced by signing England’s Fara Williams and Germany’s Josephine Henning. Have also retained their major players.

Last season: 3rd

Birmingham City Ladies

Home ground: Solihull Moors FC

Manager: David Parker

Key transfers - In: Corina Schroeder (Liverpool).

Out: Karen Carney, Rebecca Spencer (both Chelsea)

Verdict: Young side could struggle after losing Karen Carney and Rebecca Spencer to Chelsea though they kept England midfielders Jo Potter and Jade Moore. Corina Schroeder is their first overseas player.

Last season: 6th

Chelsea Ladies

Home ground: Staines FC

Manager: Emma Hayes

Key transfers - In: Karen Carney, Rebecca Spencer (both Birmingham), Jade Bailey (Arsenal).

Out: Marija Banusic (Eskiltuna United), Marie Hourihan (Manchester City), Laura Coombs (Liverpool, loan).

Verdict: Double-winners have added Carney to a strong squad, with plenty of goalscoring options. Hayes is not the type to allow the team to rest on their laurels and Champions League will not be a distraction until late in season.

Last season: 1st

Doncaster Rovers Belles

Home ground: Keepmoat

Manager: Glen Harris

Key transfers - In: Natasha Dowie, Becky Easton, Katrin Omarsottir (all Liverpool).

Out: Bethany England (Chelsea)

Verdict: Pioneers return, boosted by arrival of a trio of seasoned title-winning players from Liverpool and ambitious off-field plans including residential accommodation in a training complex.

Last season: 2nd, WSL2

Liverpool Ladies

Home ground: Halton Stadium

Manager: Scott Rogers

Key transfers - In: Siobhan Chamberlain (Arsenal), Emma Lundh, Mandy van den Berg (both Lillestrom SK), Natasha Harding (Manchester City), Alex Greenwood (Notts County), Laura Coombs (Chelsea, loan)

Out: Fara Williams, Asisat Oshoala (both Arsenal), Natasha Dowie, Becky Easton, Katrin Omarsottir (all Doncaster), Corina Schroeder (Birmingham), Libby Stout (Boston Breakers).

Verdict: Scott Rogers takes over with many players gone but some impressive recruits including Alex Greenwood, Natasha Harding and Siobahn Chamberlain.

Last season: 7th

Manchester City Women

Home ground: Manchester City Academy Stadium

Manager: Nick Cushing

Key transfers - In: Kosovare Asllani (Paris SG), Marie Hourihan (Chelsea), Nikita Parris (Everton, converted loan)

Out: Natasha Harding ( Liverpool).

Verdict: Runners-up finished strongly and have added Swedish striker Kosovare Asllani to a powerful, settled squad. Pre-season favourites.

Last season: 2nd

Notts County Ladies

Home ground: Meadow Lane

Manager: Rick Passmoor

Key transfers - In: Maja Krantz (Linkopings), Angharad James (Bristol), Rachel Yankey (Arsenal, loan)

Out: Alex Greenwood (Liverpool).

Verdict: Under-achieved last year, but County owner Ray Trew appears to be patient with managers of the Lady Pies than the men’s team. Lost Greenwood but acquired Rachel Yankey, while return of Sophie Bradley after injury is like a new signing.

Last season: 5th

Reading Women

Home ground: Wycombe Wanderers FC

Manager: Kelly Chambers

Key transfers - In: Mary Earps, Jade Boho-Sayo (both Bristol City).

Out: None

Verdict: Largely retained the squad promoted as champions and strengthened by raiding relegated Bristol. Kelly Chambers doubles the number of women managers in WSL. Need a good start, but will begin with three away games having moved home to Adams Park.

Last season: 1st, WSL2

Sunderland Ladies

Home ground: Hetton Centre

Manager: Carlton Fairweather

Key transfers - In: Lucy Staniforth (Liverpool), Kylla Sjoman (Celtic).

Out: None.

Verdict: Impressive debut season in top flight with one-time Crazy Gang member Carlton Fairweather settling quickly into women’s game. Lifted by securing WSL top scorer Beth Mead on new contract.

Last season: 4th

WSL2

Aston Villa (Sutton Coldfield Town FC), Bristol City (Stoke Gifford), Everton (Halton), Durham (New Ferens Park), London Bees (Barnet FC), Millwall (New Den/Dartford), Oxford (Abingdon United), Sheffield (Sheffield FC), Watford (Berkhamsted FC), Yeovil (Huish Park)

WSL1 opening fixtures

Tonight:

Man City v Notts County (7pm)

Liverpool v Birmingham (7.30)

Arsenal v Reading (7.45)

Tomorrow:

Doncaster Rovers Belles v Chelsea (7.45)

Saturday: Sunderland v Reading (6)