Clubs in the FA Women’s Super League and FA Women's Championship will take a well-deserved rest over the Christmas break, but a busy New Year of action lies in wait.
Arsenal lead the top-flight pack at the halfway stage but rivals Manchester City trail only on goal difference and remain unbeaten in the league this season.
It’s much the same in the Championship with the top two sides split only by goal difference - Manchester United narrowly ahead of Charlton Athletic.
But with fixtures back in full swing from January, here are five clashes that may be worth jotting down in your diary:
Arsenal v Chelsea (2pm, 13 January 2019)
Leaders Arsenal pulled off the shock of the season so far in the reverse fixture, strolling to a 5-0 win at the defending champions.
Braces from Vivianne Miedema and Jordan Nobbs sunk the Blues on that occasion, adding to Kim Little's early penalty.
Since then Chelsea have looked a different beast as Emma Hayes’s side have slowly recaptured last year's form, heading into the break with five consecutive league victories.
Arsenal have a game in hand over second-placed Manchester City, but victory over Chelsea would lay down a monumental marker for Joe Montemurro’s side to build on.
Three points for Chelsea, on the other hand, would haul the them right back into title contention so it promises to be an unmissable contest.
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Chelsea v Birmingham City (2pm, 27 January 2019)
Depending on Chelsea's fortunes against Arsenal, the showdown with Marc Skinner’s Birmingham City could have serious implications for their title ambitions.
The teams battled out a hard-fought goalless draw on their last meeting in October to disrupt Chelsea’s title defence, but Birmingham's last win over the Londoners remains in September 2015.
Last time out Karen Carney had the chance to steal all three points from the penalty spot but a stunning save from Ann-Katrin Berger kept it level.
Chelsea and Birmingham are separated only by goal difference, with City sat fourth, setting up a tantalising showdown in January.
Brighton & Hove Albion v Everton (2pm, 13 January 2019)
At the other end of the spectrum, Brighton and Everton will meet in mid-January, scrapping to secure their spots in the top flight.
Both teams have won just once so far this campaign, with Everton slightly ahead of the Seagulls in the standings on five points to Brighton’s four.
When the pair last met in October the score finished in a remarkable 3-3 draw as Ellie Brazil’s late double earned the visitors to a priceless point.
The Toffees broke back after Danielle Buet’s early opener as Inessa Kaagman and Gabby George struck. Chloe Kelly made it three, but successive headers from Brazil ensured they shared the points.
If the January joust is anywhere near as good as last time out, we could be in for a treat in Crawley.
Charlton Athletic v Durham (Midday, 6 January 2019)
Both teams will hope their New Year’s wishes come true as second meets third in the Championship.
Charlton are level on points with Manchester United at the top of the table, albeit having played a game more, and look like strong contenders to chase down the Red Devils.
However Durham have caused several surprises themselves this season, most notably ending United’s unbeaten start to the campaign with a 3-1 heist.
When the pair met earlier this season the scores were all tied at 2-2 as Amelia Ritchie rescued a point for the Addicks following strikes from Hepple and Emily Roberts.
Few results could have as big a bearing on the league title as this meeting so it should prove to be a late Christmas cracker.
Charlton Athletic v Manchester United (2pm, 13 January 2019)
If Charlton were to topple Durham, they would have the chance to go top of the division with victory over Manchester United.
The Red Devils have only lost once in the league all campaign and have an unmatchable goal difference at the halfway stage with 43 goals scored already.
United’s forwards Jess Sigsworth and Mollie Green have been in rampant form all campaign but Charlton have their own dangers in the shape of Elizabeta Ejupi and Lily Agg.
United reigned supreme in their last meeting with Charlton in a comfortable 3-0 victory in October, but the Addicks will be confident of causing an upset when the pair meet in the New Year.
