Vic Akers signed off as Arsenal manager with victory in the FA Cup
The Women's Premier League season is set for a low-key start on Sunday.
None of last season's top three teams will be in action during the first few weeks of the campaign.
Arsenal, Everton and Chelsea will all kick off late due to having players in the England squad for the European Championship finals in Finland.
That gives Arsenal's new manager Tony Gervaise a little extra time to settle into the role he has taken over from the ultra-successful Vic Akers.
The Gunners collected 32 major trophies during Akers' 22-year tenure but 54-year-old Scotsman Gervaise is relishing the challenge.
Before arriving at Arsenal the former Clydebank and Queen of the South full-back spent six years in the Scotland women's team set-up.
"Arsenal have a great history," he said, "but football is about today and tomorrow.
"The club have set great standards and I'll be looking to raise them.
"It's frustrating that we're having to start our season late, but when our first match comes round we'll be ready and up for the challenge."
Gervaise's challenge during his first season in charge will be to repeat last term's League, FA Cup and League Cup triple triumph.
He will also aim for a good run in the newly formed Women's Champions League.
Last season's runners-up Everton, also competing in the Champions League, should be the main stumbling block in the way of Arsenal's continuing dominance.
Chelsea will be expected to again finish third though they may be pushed by Doncaster Belles, who were fourth last season and also League Cup runners-up.
Newly promoted Sunderland and Millwall Lionesses will meanwhile be looking to re-establish themselves in the top flight.
The Black Cats, beaten by Arsenal in May's FA Cup final, are back after two seasons in the Northern Division.
But the Lionesses have spent eight years in the Southern Division - and they are returning with a new manager following the departure of Matt Beard.
Aidan Boxall, who has experience of the women's game in Australia and America, is taking on his first management role in this country.
The new Lionesses boss said: "I'm delighted with the quality of players at the club and I'm sure we'll give a good account of ourselves in the top league.
"I know it will be a tough season, but it will be great if we can start with three points and the players are confident of getting into the top half of the table."
Millwall entertain Nottingham Forest on Sunday while Sunderland visit Bristol Academy, where Mark Sampson has taken over from Gary Green as manager.
Since Green's departure six players have left Bristol including internationals Corinne Yorston, Gwen Harries and Stef Curtis, to Arsenal, Everton and Chelsea respectively.
But Sampson said: "We've replaced the girls who've gone with exciting new players.
"How we'll do over the season is difficult to assess, but I'm confident of making a good start and that's going to be very important to us."
In the opening day's other two fixtures Doncaster are at home to Blackburn Rovers and Watford travel to Birmingham City.
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