Key events
With the new WSL season finally underway, I want to hear from you! Feel free to email in with some of your predictions for this season. Top goalscorer, player of the season, you know the drill. And the all-important question – who will lift the trophy in May?
Arsenal fans are making themselves heard ahead of kick-off. It seems last season’s beloved Cloé Lacasse chant has been replaced with a new hit – ‘Shake it Caldentey’
I must admit, it’s incredibly catchy!
Manchester City will be seeking revenge against Arsenal today. Jonas Eidevall’s side all-but ended City’s title hopes in the penultimate match of the 2023-24 season with a 2-1 win at the Joie Stadium following two late goals from Stina Blackstenius. If Gareth Taylor’s side had won that game, it would’ve pretty much sealed the WSL title. But Chelsea mounted a late comeback and took it on the final day with a 6-0 thrashing of Manchester United at Old Trafford.
This fixture has always been a must-watch, and today won’t be any different.
Leah Williamson is not available for Arsenal today due to concussion protocol. Lotte Wubben-Moy and Laia Codina start in the centre of defence for the hosts.
Alessia Russo, Beth Mead, Lia Wälti and new signing Rosa Kafaji are among the Arsenal substitutes. Some huge calls made by Jonas Eidevall.
Team News
Arsenal starting XI: Manuela Zinsberger; Emily Fox, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Laia Codina, Katie McCabe; Kim Little (C), Frida Maanum, Kyra Cooney-Cross; Mariona Caldentey, Caitlin Foord, Stina Blackstenius. Substitutes: Daphne van Domselaar, Laura Wienroither, Lia Wälti, Kathrine Kühl, Freya Godfrey, Rosa Kafaji, Beth Mead, Alessia Russo.
Manchester City starting XI: Ayaka Yamashita; Laia Aleixandri, Alex Greenwood (C), Leila Ouahabi, Kerstin Casparij; Yui Hasegawa, Vivianne Miedema, Jess Park; Aoba Fujino, Khadija Shaw, Lauren Hemp. Substitutes: Khiara Keating, Naomi Layzell, Laura Coombs, Mary Fowler, Chloe Kelly Alanna Kennedy, Laura Blindkilde Brown, Gracie Prior, Lily Murphy.
Preamble
Hello and welcome to coverage of Arsenal vs Manchester City. We’re in for a real treat this afternoon as two of the league’s best go head-to-head in front of a huge Emirates Stadium crowd.
Vivianne Miedema makes her return to north London today – but this time she will be lining up in light blue. The Dutch superstar starts for Gareth Taylor’s side in what is set to be a thriller.
Kick-off is at 12:30pm BST – join me!