Match Overview
On Wednesday, Arsenal Women will host Valerenga Women at the Emirates Stadium for their second match in the Women’s Champions League group stage. Both teams are looking to bounce back after disappointing starts, with Arsenal suffering a heavy defeat to Bayern Munich and Valerenga narrowly losing to Juventus.
Match Preview
Pressure is mounting on Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall following a challenging start to the 2024-25 season. The Gunners have recorded four wins, two draws, and three defeats across their first nine competitive games. They entered the Women’s Champions League after overcoming a first-leg deficit in their qualifying tie against Hacken but faced a setback in their group opener, losing 5-2 to Bayern Munich. Their struggles continued with a 2-1 defeat against Chelsea, despite Caitlin Foord finding the net. Now, with three consecutive competitive matches without a win, Arsenal will be eager to respond positively against Valerenga, whom they previously defeated during qualifying.
Valerenga, competing in their first Women’s Champions League group stage, successfully navigated the qualifying rounds by defeating Farul Constanta and securing a 5-1 aggregate win over Anderlecht. However, their campaign started on a disappointing note with a 1-0 loss to Juventus. Despite this setback, Valerenga bounced back impressively with a 3-0 victory over Lyn in their domestic league, maintaining a commanding lead in the Toppserien with just four matches remaining. They have won 12 of their last 13 matches in all competitions, presenting a formidable challenge for Arsenal.
Recent Form
– Arsenal Women: Lost 2-1 to Chelsea; Lost 5-2 to Bayern Munich; Drew 0-0 with Rosenborg.
– Valerenga Women: Won 3-0 against Lyn; Lost 1-0 to Juventus; Won 5-1 on aggregate against Anderlecht.
Team News
Arsenal will be without several key players, including Laura Wienroither, Amanda Ilestedt, Victoria Pelova, and Lina Hurtig. Spain international Laia Codina could return to the starting lineup after being benched in the previous match. Eidevall may also look to inject fresh energy into his side by starting Kyra Cooney-Cross and Frida Maanum.
For Valerenga, long-term absentee Mimmi Lofwenius is still sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Additionally, goalkeeper Jalen Tompkins and defender Selma Pettersen are both ruled out due to injuries. Thea Bjelde will require assessment after being substituted in the first half of their recent match against Lyn.
Possible Lineups
Arsenal Women:
– Formation: 4-2-3-1
– Starting XI: Van Domselaar; Fox, Williamson, Codina, McCabe; Walti, Cooney-Cross; Caldentey, Maanum, Foord; Russo
Valerenga Women:
– Formation: 4-3-3
– Starting XI: Enblom; Horte, Thorsnes, Olsen; Thomsen, Brekken, Vickus, Heidarsdottir; Godo, Tvedten, Saevik
