Ahead of the much-anticipated 2016 WSL 1 season, the fixtures for the top division in English football were made public today.
Reigning champions, Chelsea Ladies were pitted against the ever-improving Doncaster Belles on what will be a tough test on the opening day.
Tough start
The bulk of Chelsea's most difficult fixtures come within the opening few months of the season; it already looks to be a make-or-break spell.
The trip to Doncaster is followed by a home game against a changed Liverpool Ladies. They will be keen to impress after losing Fara Williams and, seemingly, Asisat Oshoala but have brought in a host of new faces to compensate.
The second game against Liverpool sandwiches what will be a huge clash against Arsenal Ladies, who will have Williams and possibly Oshoala amongst their ranks.
Chelsea then welcome Manchester City Women, and Kosovare Asllani, to Staines - in what looks likely to be a clash between the top two sides in the country.
A double header against surprise package Sunderland Ladies follows that, and begins a spell of more favourable games.
An easier end to the season
Aside from a trip to Manchester, Chelsea's run-in could be a major boost to their hopes of retaining the tile.
Notts County Ladies could pose a slight problem but the Blues' new arrivals should be able to overpower them.
A double header against County and Reading Women make up the bulk of their final few fixtures.
Impressive signings
Emma Hayes has been busy in the transfer window and brought in several, top-class home-grown players to bolster the Chelsea squad.
Bethany England, Becky Spencer and Jade Bailey have come in from Doncaster, Birmingham City Ladies and Arsenal, respectively.
Whilst they were smart acquisitions, the arrival of England star Karen Carney was easily one of the biggest signings in the off-season and should spur them on to a second league triumph in a row.