Renee Slegers’ aspect brushed apart Leicester 4-1 to keep up momentum forward of subsequent weekend’s title showdown with Chelsea, however accidents proceed to restrict her choices.
Picture by Michael Regan/Getty Pictures
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Arsenal confirmed no unwell results from the worldwide break, , with a cushty 4-1 win at Leicester that provides the workforce good momentum heading into the Chelsea recreation subsequent Saturday.
Arsenal are at present fifth with 14 factors, 5 behind leaders Chelsea, and, provided that the title holders hardly ever drop factors, this will probably be a must-win recreation.
The 4 groups forward of the Gunners (Chelsea, Manchester Metropolis, Manchester United and Tottenham) all gained on the weekend, which means no change at both finish of the desk.
Liverpool and West Ham stay with out a level after six and 7 video games respectively.
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Renee Slegers had offered the press a dummy on Friday by saying everybody was match besides Manuela Zinsberger and Leah Williamson. When the teamsheet was launched, 4 extra gamers have been lacking: Olivia Smith, Frida Maanum, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Lotte Wubben-Moy.
She stated within the combined zone, “It’s small knocks, niggles and diseases. So I’m hoping to get some again for the Chelsea recreation, however we’ll see how every thing progresses through the week.”
Picture by Michael Regan/Getty Pictures
It meant three gamers have been in a WSL squad for the primary time: Jenna Nighswonger, Sophie Harwood and Amy Liddiard. Nighswonger got here on for the ultimate quarter-hour, turning into the twentieth participant utilized by Renee Slegers this season.
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Among the many professionals but to function are Manuela Zinsberger, who’s out for the season with an ACL damage, and Leah Williamson, who has not but returned from the knee damage sustained on the Euros. Anneke Borbe, the third goalkeeper, is the one different skilled with out recreation time. Academy gamers Sophie Harwood and Amy Liddiard have additionally not but featured, as anticipated.
Laia Codina made her first begin, Emily Fox was rested, and Taylor Hinds performed very effectively at right-back. Beth Mead was in good type on one wing, as was Caitlin Foord on the opposite. Stina Blackstenius was additionally very good in a recreation that suited her tactically.
Contemplating Leicester play with the identical system as Chelsea, utilizing a again three with excessive wing-backs, it was a perfect rehearsal for subsequent Saturday’s recreation.
There will probably be loads of area to assault between Chelsea’s again three and their wing-backs. We noticed Freya Godfrey exploit that area repeatedly on Saturday, so a match Olivia Smith or Beth Mead ought to have the ability to do the identical, with Caitlin Foord providing the same risk on the alternative aspect.
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The primary query will probably be what number of gamers return from damage. Arsenal ought to have a powerful beginning XI subsequent Saturday, however should still be in need of recreation changers on the bench, having named two goalkeepers and solely 19 gamers towards Leicester.