This summer, Arsenal and Chelsea experienced significant squad turnover as they prepared for the new Women's Super League season. Arsenal lost stalwarts Beth Mead and Katie McCabe but recruited England midfielder Georgia Stanway, Spain World Cup winner Ona Batlle, and Switzerland captain Geraldine Reuteler. At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea signed McCabe on a free transfer and splashed cash on Manchester United's Melvine Malard, though they can no longer call on Sam Kerr and Millie Bright.

With their latest quest for silverware getting started this weekend, Arsenal boss Renee Slegers struck a confident tone, stating the WSL title is something the Gunners are going after. Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor acknowledged the challenge, noting her side are installed as favourites by Opta's supercomputer, which gives the Blues a 39.9% chance of winning the league. Sunday's game offers Arsenal an early return to Broadfield Stadium in Crawley, where their bid to chase down Manchester City last season was ended by a 1-1 draw against Brighton in May.

London City, who finished sixth in their maiden WSL season, spent big this summer. Their goal is likely to be challenging the established elite, although ambitious owner Michelle Kang will not settle for anything less than the top. She has previously told BBC Sport that London City "have an aspiration to be at the top of the game".