Hayley Paterson looks ahead to the new Women's Super League season and assesses all eight clubs.
Arsenal Ladies:
One word can sum up Arsenal; dominant. Having won 38 major trophies in 25 years - two of which are FA WSL titles, as well as last year's Continental Cup - the reigning champions will be the team everyone wants to beat this season. This could be a transitional year for Arsenal, however, following the appointment of new manager Shelley Kerr. Taking over from the success of previous chief Laura Harvey, who has gone to manage Seattle Reign in America, will be no mean feat for Kerr - but she certainly has a strong CV having been a key part of the Scottish FA and overseeing the under-19s squad. It will be interesting to see how the team, once known as 'The Invincibles', will bond with their new boss who has just seen her team take a 3-1 first-leg lead over Italians ASD Torres in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Arsenal players to watch: It is often hard to pinpoint just a couple of players for Arsenal, such is their dominance, with stalwarts Kelly Smith and Rachel Yankey still very much the first couple of names on the team sheet - their experience proving vital. However, Kerr may be sweating on the fitness of Smith who limped off in their midweek Champions League win. The prolific Kim Little is also always going to be a threat in front of goal, surging from her midfield position. But for me, the player to watch will be England international youngster Jordan Nobbs. The 20-year-old midfielder, who also scored against the Italians on Wednesday, has been tipped as 'the next big thing' following her switch from Sunderland. The daughter of former Hartlepool defender Keith Nobbs seems to be coping well with the incredible coverage she has received in such a short space of time and will certainly be one of Arsenal's big players this term.
Birmingham City Ladies:
Finishing as runners-up in last season's WSL campaign, Birmingham are a team not to be overlooked and will again be a side which should be challenging once more for top honours. Despite their disappointment of an early Champions League exit to Verona in 2012, Birmingham will take heart from lifting the Women's FA Cup last season as well as being Continental Cup runners-up for the last two years. They have had a taste of success and it looks like that drive to be Women's Super League champions has not wavered.
Birmingham players to watch: Rachel Williams is an absolute powerhouse. The England international forward has a ruthless eye for goal and the ability to pick out a pass in the blink of an eye, as well as break up any opposition attacks. It could also prove a massive season for former Arsenal player Kirsty Linnett who at just 19-years-old is Birmingham's big acquisition during the winter break. With Eni Aluko going to Chelsea, it will be interesting to see how she features in the side with several vying for those coveted forward positions, none more so than England striker Karen Carney.
Bristol Academy Women:
Not to be discounted, the Academy finished fourth last season and proved that training every day as part of their preparation really does pay dividends. Having been founded in 1998 as Bristol Rovers Women's FC, Bristol - who became known as the Academy in 2005 - have had to adapt quickly in their fledgling status and have done so with hard work and determination. That attitude has seen them claim semi-final spots in the Women's FA Cup and also lift the Gloucestershire FA Women's Challenge Cup in six of
