FA WSL 1 fixtures announced for 2016

Just under two months until the season itself gets underway, the FAWSL fixtures were announced today.

The top flight, WSL 1, will get underway on Wednesday 23 March and conclude on Sunday 6 November - notably later than usual given the short break for the Olympics in August and because of the increase to a nine team division from eight.

There are plenty of interesting fixtures from the off, and what could prove to be some crucial match ups at crucial times come the end of the campaign.

Man City to kick us off...

The opening game of the season will take place at Manchester City's Academy Stadium, with them welcoming Notts County for a 7pm kick-off in what should be a super game to get things underway.

Liverpool face Birmingham City and Arsenal host newly-promoted Reading in the later games that evening, with the season getting off to a frantic start for the latter.

Reading's start to the season won't be the easiest. | Photo: FA

After playing on Wednesday 23 March, the Royals will then play again on Saturday 26 March and again on their travels - heading to the North East to clash with Sunderland.

Reigning champions Chelsea will endure a similarly testing start too, playing on Thursday 24 March away to the other new side, Doncaster Belles, before heading back home to host Liverpool on Monday 28 March.

...but to miss out on final day fun

However, whilst it's Manchester City who get the season underway, they will not play their part on the final day of the season.

With the division extended to nine teams, no longer can everyone play on the same day as the eight teams have done in the past. City's final fixture instead comes seven days prior to the rest of the league's, as they host Birmingham.

The rest of the teams will face off on Sunday 6 November to close the campaign though, all playing at 6pm. Liverpool host Arsenal, Chelsea travel to Notts County and Sunderland welcome Birmingham, whilst the two newly-promoted sides face off on that final day in what both will hope does not prove to be a relegation decider.