Where to watch the Lionesses as the WSL kicks off this weekend - with Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs all in action

Euro 2022 drew record crowds to stadia all over the country and more than 17 million people tuned in to watch Sarina Wiegman’s players seal glory with victory over Germany in the final at Wembley.

In the weeks since, great efforts have been made to ensure that the tournament has a worthy legacy and the enthusiasm for the sport doesn’t just peter out.

The death of Her Majesty the Queen put paid to the grand plans for the opening weekend of the Women’s Super League, as the season’s first fixtures were called off.

Matchday 2 games have been given the go-ahead, though, making Friday’s clash between Arsenal and Brighton and Hove Albion at Borehamwood FC the de-facto curtain-raiser for this season’s top flight contest.

All over the country this weekend, new women’s football fans will be making their way to watch their first league games - with many more watching at home on the sofa.

The BBC and Sky Sports are broadcasting a game each, with the rest of the fixtures free to view on the FA Player.

Here’s a rundown of which of this summer’s heroines you can watch playing where this weekend:

Arsenal v Brighton and Hove Albion, Friday, 7.30pm - The FA Player

Will Beth Mead, the tournament’s star player, continue her goal-scoring form? Leah Williamson, who lifted the trophy at Wembley in front of a record-breaking crowd, will also feature, while Lotte Wubben-Moy, one of five players in Wiegman’s 23-strong squad who didn’t make it on to the pitch, will be at Meadow Park.

Manchester United v Reading, Saturday, 12pm - The FA Player

Mary Earps, who conceded just two goals at Euro 2, will be between the sticks while Nikita Parris, who only played five minutes at Euro 22 but recently scored in the Lionesses’ World Cup Qualifier against Austria, could make her WSL debut for the Reds after making the switch from Arsenal this summer.

Also set to appear are Ella Toone, who raced onto Keira Walsh’s long ball to chip the Germany keeper and give England the lead in the final, and her best friend Alessia Russo, who won UEFA’s goal of the tournament for her audacious backheel in the semi-final against Sweden.

Aston Villa v Man City, Sunday, 12.30pm - BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website

Rachel Daly, who started every game as Wiegman’s first-choice left-back despite playing as a number 9 all season for then-club Houston Dash, could make her competitive Aston Villa debut. In net for the home side will be Hannah Hampton, who didn’t come off the bench and gave up her place in Wiegman’s squad for World Cup qualifiers to Manchester City ‘keeper Sandy MacIver.

In the other goal will be Ellie Roebuck, who never got her moment to shine in the European Championships, but kept a clean sheet in the Lionesses’ recent 10-0 World Cup Qualifying win over Luxembourg. Lining up in front of her could be City defenders Alex Greenwood, one of Wiegman’s trusty substitutes who made more than one ball recovery every ten minutes she played across the tournament, and Demi Stokes, who joined up with Wiegman’s squad for the tournament in July just two months after becoming a mother for the first time.

Driving the Sky Blues’ attack will be Lauren Hemp, who registered a top speed of over 30km per hour at Euro 22 this summer, and she could be joined upfront by England teammate Chloe Kelly, whose iconic celebration after scoring the winner that sealed the end of the Lionesses’ wait for a major trophy will live long in the memory.

Liverpool v Chelsea, Sunday, 5pm - Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Football

The Blues’ defence is likely to feature Millie Bright, who formed a nigh-impenetrable defensive partnership with Leah Williamson and made eight tackles across the tournament, and Jess Carter, whose on-pitch contribution was limited to coming on for Lucy Bronze in the Lionesses’ Group A victory over Northern Ireland.

On the attack, fans could see Fran Kirby, whose creative flair was essential to the attacking force which scored 22 goals at Euro 2, and Beth England, who didn’t feature at Euro 22 but scored a brace against Luxembourg and could get more opportunities following the retirement of Ellen White.

Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur, Sunday, 3pm - The FA Player

West Ham United v Everton, Sunday, 3pm - The FA Player