Arsenal and Manchester United meet in the Women’s Super League with both clubs seeking a result to change the direction of their early seasons. The Guardian’s live coverage lists a 5.30pm BST kick-off and describes the match as important for two teams that have made difficult starts.
Arsenal name a starting XI in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Daphne van Domselaar Rodríguez in goal and a defence of Emily Fox, Leah Williamson, Rafaelle Souza Catley and Ona Batlle. Frida Maanum Stanway and Mariona Caldentey are listed in midfield, behind Alessia Russo, Victoria Pelova Smith and Caitlin Adriana Baum. Stina Blackstenius leads the attack.
Manchester United also use a 4-2-3-1. Phallon Tullis-Joyce starts in goal, protected by Anna Björk Lundkvist, Millie Le Tissier, Dominique Janssen and Gabrielle Sandberg. Hinata Miyazawa and Emma Zigiotti provide the central midfield pairing, with Nikita Parris Park, Julie Awujo and Geyse Ferreira Medina supporting Elisabeth Terland.
According to the Guardian, Arsenal were held to a goalless draw by Crystal Palace last Sunday despite creating numerous chances. The result left Renée Slegers’ side sixth in the table after other results elsewhere. Manchester United, meanwhile, are second bottom, with only Charlton below them.
The Guardian reports that United manager Eva Olid has begun her tenure with consecutive defeats, including a 5-0 loss to Chelsea. That poor run adds pressure to the visitors, while Arsenal are looking to restore momentum and strengthen their position after failing to score against Palace.
Other WSL results have further shaped the standings. The revamped London City Lionesses beat Charlton 4-1 for their second win in three matches, while Chelsea defeated Birmingham 2-0 through goals from Lexi Potter and Melvine Malard. Manchester City also beat Liverpool 4-2, their third consecutive victory, according to the supplied coverage.