softfootball.com match preview
This Saturday, Arsenal Women will take on Chelsea Women at the Emirates Stadium in a highly anticipated Women’s Super League clash. With Chelsea aiming to maintain their perfect start to the season, Arsenal will be desperate for a turnaround after struggling to find their form in recent matches.
Match Preview
Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall faces mounting pressure after a disappointing start to the season. The Gunners began their campaign with two wins in Women’s Champions League qualifying, only to stumble with a 1-0 defeat to Hacken. Their WSL opener against Manchester City ended in a frustrating draw, and they seemed to find momentum with a 4-0 victory over Hacken in the second leg before a narrow 1-0 win against Leicester.
However, Arsenal’s momentum was halted with a goalless draw against Everton, followed by a disheartening 5-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, where former Chelsea player Pernille Harder netted a hat-trick. Eidevall’s side is yet to secure a win in their opening league matches, having drawn both. He will look to replicate last season’s impressive 4-1 home victory against Chelsea to get back on track.
In stark contrast, Chelsea enters the match in high spirits, having won all three of their opening matches this season. After a narrow 1-0 victory over Aston Villa, they displayed their attacking prowess with a stunning 7-0 win against newly-promoted Crystal Palace. Following a postponement against Manchester United, the Blues returned to action with a thrilling 3-2 win over Real Madrid in their Champions League opener, featuring goals from Sjoeke Nusken, Guro Reiten, and Mayra Ramirez.
Having now won six consecutive matches across all competitions, Chelsea will be eager to continue this strong form and secure their first away league win over Arsenal since January 2020.
Team News
For Arsenal:
The Gunners will miss Amanda Ilestedt, Lina Hurtig, Laura Wienroither, and Victoria Pelova due to injuries. Captain Leah Williamson, who recently returned from injury, is set to make her first WSL start of the season. Goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar is expected to return to the starting lineup after a stint on the bench, while midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross and attacking duo Beth Mead and Alessia Russo could also feature prominently.
Possible Starting XI:
Van Domselaar; Fox, Williamson, Codina, McCabe; Walti, Cooney-Cross; Mead, Maanum, Caldentey; Russo
For Chelsea:
Chelsea’s squad has been impacted by illness, with goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and forward Catarina Macario potentially missing out. Scotland international Erin Cuthbert will be assessed after missing the midweek win over Real Madrid. The Blues will definitely be without key players Sophie Ingle, Mia Fishel, Aniek Nouwen, Niamh Charles, and Sam Kerr.
Possible Starting XI:
Hampton; Bronze, Bright, Bjorn, Lawrence; Kaptein, Nusken, James; Rytting Kaneryd, Reiten, Ramirez
Chelsea arrives at the Emirates full of confidence and momentum, while Arsenal will be eager to find their form and avoid a third straight game without a win. However, the Gunners have not lost in their last four home WSL meetings against Chelsea, suggesting a competitive matchup is on the cards. Given both teams’ current situations, a hard-fought draw seems likely.
Final score prediction: Arsenal Women 1-1 Chelsea Women
