Arsenal vs Tottenham – News and Probable Lineups

This Saturday, Arsenal Women will face off against their local counterparts, Tottenham Hotspur Women, in the North London derby at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners are currently fourth in the Women’s Super League standings, while Tottenham sits in fifth place, six points behind.

Match overview

Since their defeat to Manchester United in the League Cup semi-finals back in January, Arsenal has enjoyed a remarkable 10-match winning streak across all competitions.

This impressive streak includes two victories in their successful FIFA Women’s Champions Cup campaign, as well as two wins in the knockout playoff against Leuven, which paved the way for an all-English quarter-final against Chelsea.

After securing a 3-1 win in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, thanks to goals from Stina Blackstenius, Chloe Kelly, and Alessia Russo, they aim to preserve that lead in the return match at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday, while simultaneously focusing on their quest for European qualification next season.

With a record of 10 wins, five draws, and one loss in their 16 league matches, Renee Sleger’s side is currently placed fourth in the WSL, having two games in hand over Chelsea and Man United, who sit in third and second positions with two and three points more, respectively.

Arsenal, who have gone 11 matches in the league without defeat, are one of only two teams this season to remain unbeaten at home in the WSL, having recorded five victories and three draws from their eight home matches.

On the other hand, Tottenham’s ambitions for a top-three finish have dwindled due to four losses in their last five league matches.

Tottenham experienced consecutive defeats following a 7-3 away league victory against Aston Villa and a penalty shootout win over London City Lionesses in the FA Cup.

Martin Ho’s team suffered a close 2-1 defeat at home against Everton in their first match back from the international break, and last Saturday, goals from Olivia Holdt and Bethany Inglaterra were not enough in a 5-2 defeat to league leaders Manchester City.

Now eight points behind the top three, the fifth-placed team can still take pride in their progress this season, having already amassed nine more points than their final tally of 20 last year.

Despite their struggles, Tottenham will be motivated to hinder Arsenal’s aspirations for a top-three finish, even if they might be partially focused on their upcoming FA Cup quarter-final against Chelsea on April 6.

Having held Arsenal to a scoreless draw back in November, Tottenham is eager to secure their first-ever away win against their local rivals in the WSL, with their only previous victory occurring at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in December 2023.

However, accomplishing this will be challenging for a side that has managed just one win in their 11 away matches in the WSL this season (D5, L5).

Team News

Arsenal will still be without long-term absentees Manuela Zinsberger and Katie Reid.

Defender Leah Williamson is a doubt after missing the last two matches due to a hamstring issue.

The Australian trio of Caitlin Foord, Kyra Cooney-Cross, and Steph Catley is back in contention after their return from the Asian Cup.

As for the visitors, they are unable to include Luana Buhler, Amy James-Turner, Ella Morris, Maite Oroz, and Jessica Naz.

Clare Hunt, an international from Australia, has undergone surgery following a knee injury sustained during the Asian Cup.

Maika Hamano, who netted the decisive goal for Japan in last weekend’s final against Australia, is available for selection alongside her fellow countrywoman Toko Koga.

Arsenal Women probable starting XI:

Boar; Fox, Wubben-Moy, Catley, McCabe; Maanum, Little, Caldentey; Kelly, Ford, Russia

Tottenham Hotspur Women probable starting XI:

cup; Wijk, Koga, Bartrip, Nilden; Hamano, Summanen, Gaupset, Vinberg; Held, Inglaterra

Arsenal must quickly bounce back from their midweek efforts in the Women’s Champions League, and while the squad may experience some fatigue, it is believed the Gunners will have the additional quality needed to overcome their local adversaries on Saturday.