Brighton and Leicester will be hoping managerial change can finally kickstart their seasons after a turbulent week of off-field action in the WSL.
Seagulls boss Hope Powell stepped down on Monday after their 8-0 defeat against Tottenham before Foxes manager Bedford, whose side went down 3-0 against Manchester United, was sacked on Thursday.
Leicester have yet to earn a point this season and prop up the top-flight table, while Brighton sit 11 th after suffering three defeats on the spin.
The south coast side travel to West Ham on Sunday where Amy Merricks, supported by Alex Penny and Perry Northeast, will take interim charge.
Former England boss Powell steered Brighton to a solid seventh-place last season after achieving the club’s best ever finish in sixth the previous year.
But after conceding 14 goals in three matches against Spurs, Chelsea and Manchester United throughout a difficult start to the season, Powell admitted the time was finally right for change.
Powell, 55, said: “We’ve had a very challenging start to the new season with many changes to our squad and results not going as we had all hoped.
“Sunday’s heavy loss at home to Tottenham was particularly disappointing.
“As a club, we’ve made a lot of progress in the past five years, but I feel now is the right time to step aside and allow a new coach to take the team forward with plenty of Super League football still to play this season.”
Bedford’s Leicester mustered just two goals in their opening six matches – the same number as Brighton – and have failed to pick up a solitary point so far.
And last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at Reading proved the final nail in the coffin as former England coach Bedford, along with assistant Nicola Williams, were relieved of their managerial duties.
Ahead of Sunday’s clash against second-place Arsenal at the King Power Stadium, a club statement said: "A change in direction is necessary.
"Lydia departs with our sincere thanks for her contribution to the ongoing establishment of LCFC Women and our very best wishes for the next steps in her career."
Elsewhere this weekend, table-topping Manchester United welcome Chelsea under the Leigh lights in Sunday’s evening fixture.
Marc Skinner’s side have set a blistering pace at the summit with five wins from five but sit level on points with both Sunday’s opponents and Arsenal, who also boast perfect records but with an inferior goal difference.
Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners will be bidding to inflict more misery on Leicester, while fourth-placed Manchester City travel to Reading hoping to keep up the heat on the unbeaten top three.
Liverpool welcome Aston Villa to Merseyside knowing a win will haul them further clear of the relegation zone and draw them level on points with the Villains, while Tottenham host Everton looking to continue their early season pursuit of the European places.
