It's game week 2 in the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division, and one name has dominated the headlines in the build-up.
Ruesha Littlejohn's arrival at Shamrock Rovers is a massive shot in the arm for the league.
The 34-year old midfielder had been looking for a new club since she was released by the London City Lionesses in January. Her profile and quality should get fresh eyeballs on the division, while also helping Collie O'Neill's young side to show they really mean business this year.
Littlejohn is expected to make her debut against Athlone Town at Tallaght Stadium on Saturday evening, with the Hoops looking to build on their dramatic defeat of Shelbourne last week.
Athlone kicked off with a good 2-0 defeat of Wexford. They got a boost midweek when American trio Madison Gibson, Natalie McNally and Katherine Sullivan were cleared to play after receiving their work permits.
Galway United look like a side ready to mount a serious challenge in 2025. Phil Trill's steadily improving outfit went through the gears to beat DLR Waves 5-1 in their first outing; they travel to take on Bohemians, who dug out a 0-0 draw at Sligo Rovers last Saturday.
Trill felt his players were nervy in the opening half against DLR Waves. However on the turnaround the likes of Emma Doherty and Aislinn Meaney cut loose. They are a team with goals in them.
DLR Waves will hope to bounce back from that when they host Treaty United but they won't have it easy. Treaty were impressive against new arrivals Waterford, with Bella Flocchini catching the eye in particular.
It doesn't get any easier for Waterford. They take on reigning FAI Cup holders Shelbourne this weekend in their first ever home game in the Women's Premier Division.
Gary Hunt's charges showed lots of spirit in defeat against Treaty but it's going to take time to get used to this league, and Shels will still be smarting over the nature of their loss against Shamrock Rovers. Fiona Owens nabbed the points in the dying moments, though a high-quality contest really could have gone either way. The Reds will expect to get off the mark at the RSC.
Cork City will also hope to get off the mark against Sligo Rovers at Turner's Cross.
The Leesiders lost to Peamount United 2-0 on the first day out thanks to two goals in the opening 15 minutes from Ellen Dolan and Becky Watkins, however they showed resilience in that encounter. They also look a threat from set-pieces, enabled by Eva Mangan's wicked deliveries.
In the final game of the day Peamount United chase a second win on the bounce when they go to Wexford. Wexford fell to Athlone last time but they had their moments in that game. With Ellen Molloy fit and healthy, they'll fancy their chances.
FIXTURES
Bohemians v Galway United, Dalymount Park, 3pm
DLR Waves v Treaty United, UCD Bowl, 3pm
Waterford v Shelbourne, the RSC, 3pm
Cork City v Sligo Rovers, Turner's Crosss, 5pm
Shamrock Rovers v Athlone Town, Tallaght Stadium, 5pm
Wexford v Peamount United, Ferrycarrig Park, 6pm
