Arsenal's Line-Up Changes and West Ham's Motivation Ahead of WSL Clash
Arsenal manager Renee Slegers has made three changes to her starting XI for tonight's Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) clash against West Ham United. The match promises an exciting encounter, with West Ham looking to bounce back from an opening day defeat.
Arsenal's Team News and Starting XI
Frida Maanum, Beth Mead, and Caitlin Foord, who is making her 100th WSL appearance, come into the side. They replace Victoria Pelova, Olivia Smith, and Chloe Kelly, who misses out with a slight knock. The changes follow last weekend's 4-1 win at home to London City Lionesses.
The backline remains unchanged, featuring Emily Fox, Katie Reid, Steph Catley, and Katie McCabe in front of goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar. Kim Little captains the side in midfield alongside Mariona Caldentey, with Alessia Russo leading the attack.
Arsenal XI: van Domselaar, Fox, Reid, Catley, McCabe, Little (C), Mariona, Maanum, Mead, Foord, Russo
Substitutes: Zinsberger, Borbe, Wubben-Moy, Codina, Smith, Pelova, Hinds, Blackstenius, Cooney-Cross
West Ham United's Line-Up
West Ham United XI: Walsh, Denton, Zadorsky, Nystrom, Tysiak, Hanshaw, Gorry (C), Siren, Asseyi, Martinez, Ueki
Substitutes: O’Hanlon, Endo, Belloumou, Pavi, Csiki, Brasero, Morgan, Wandeler, Piubel
West Ham United Seeking Redemption After Tottenham Defeat
West Ham United manager Rehanne Skinner believes that her team's opening day defeat to Tottenham Hotspur can serve as motivation against Arsenal. She emphasized the importance of learning from their mistakes and improving their consistency.
"When you know that you shouldn’t have lost a game, it’s always a motivation for players at this level; it’s what gets them out of bed to fix things and get them right the next time around." - Rehanne Skinner, West Ham United Manager
Skinner highlighted the need for her team to capitalize on opportunities, stating that they had moments to win or take the lead against Spurs but failed to convert them.
Skinner Aware of Arsenal's Attacking Threat
Skinner is aware of the multiple attacking threats that Arsenal possess. She stated that her team must be switched on and well-organized to deal with them. Arsenal opened their league campaign with a 4-1 victory over London City Lionesses, showcasing their attacking prowess.
"You’re always expecting a team that has a lot of different attacking threats, lots of different movements going on that test your concentration and organisation." - Rehanne Skinner, West Ham United Manager
She added that West Ham will work diligently to minimize Arsenal's options and focus on controlling the game when they have possession.
Friday Night Football Under the Lights
West Ham United host Arsenal on a Friday night at the Chigwell Construction Stadium. Skinner said that the occasion will be special, but the focus remains on getting points from the game.
The Barclays Women’s Super League fixture between West Ham United and Arsenal kicks off at 7.30pm on Friday evening.
