The FA WSL starts today with two big derby games, Chelsea v Arsenal and Lincoln v Doncaster, and Lincoln duo Sue Smith and Sophie Bradley are looking to get a winning start.
By David Brenchley
The Lady Imps are the newest team to this level, having never competed in the top flight before, but they have brought wisely and could be one of the surprise packages.
With regards to the seven other teams, they all have unfamiliar squads and, with the possible exception of Arsenal and Everton, Smith believes it will be interesting to see which way the opening results go.
"It is like a blank canvas, you just don't know what any team is going to be like," Smith, who joined Lincoln from Leeds along with Bradley and six others, said.
"I think Arsenal are still going to be up there; they have a similar sort of team, they have added Ellen [White] and Steph [Houghton, two of Smith's former Leeds team mates] and have a few fantastic players.
"We play Doncaster [today] and we have no idea what they are going to be like. Looking at the results after the first game will be interesting - seeing who is going to win out of the derby games."
And, after seven months of anticipation, Bradley is looking forward to getting the new season underway, hoping home advantage will help them get off to a winning start.
The 21-year-old, who captained Leeds last term, added: "We have been together since September, training four or five times a week so maybe we are getting on each other's nerves a bit.
"We are really looking forward to [today's game] and hopefully we will get a crowd behind us as well. We have it in the bag, as our coach says, but now we need to put it on the pitch."
Lady Imps manager Rod Wilson has made signings which have signalled his side's intent not to be there just to make up the numbers.
As well as Smith and Bradley, fellow England international Jess Clarke has joined from Leeds and experienced Chelsea skipper Casey Stoney has also made the move.
Despite the disappointment they could not stay with Leeds, Smith has no regrets joining Lincoln: "We would all have stayed at Leeds but unfortunately they didn't get [into the Super League].
"We spoke to a lot of different clubs and for me it was just the whole professionalism it all. The way that [Lincoln] wanted to train every day, which is something we are doing here, the management, the coach - everything was spot on.
"The whole team spirit was really good and we all spoke about it and said we are so glad we chose this club and we just can't wait to get started now."
Sue and Sophie were speaking at Lincoln Ladies' Official Press Day to announce their new sponsor, local company Danwood . To find out more about LLFC, please visit their website .
WSR will be at the FA WSL opening game between Chelsea and Arsenal. Follow me on Twitter for live updates.
