Crucial activities
Sir Elton’s “Step Into Christmas” is totally blaring around the Emirates Stadium PA. Is the announcer about to unleash Whamageddon on the countless numbers of supporters in attendance? Let’s hope not.
Here’s Jonas Eidevall on having the likes of Beth Mead and Kim Very little fit again: “It’s terrific getting top quality players again for us, it is not been quick to decide on a starting XI today. It’s a terrific issue to have.”
And Emma Hayes on Sam Kerr, who skipped Australia duty to recuperate from an damage: “Sam performed by way of the Environment Cup with a calf damage, and has been carrying that, and a further difficulty in just her foot. She’s necessary time to get herself correct for the reason that she has not been 100%”.
Jonas Eidevall helps make two modifications from the workforce that beat West Ham ahead of the intercontinental break. Lia Wälti and Kim Little appear in for Kyra Cooney-Cross and Frida Maanum.
Sjoeke Nüsken and Jessie Fleming occur in for Chelsea, with Sophie Ingle and Fran Kirby dropping to the bench. The big information is that Sam Kerr has recovered from a foot harm to captain the aspect today.
The teams
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Zinsberger McCabe, Ilestedt, Wubben-Moy, Catley Pelova, Wälti Mead, Minor (c), Foord Russo.
Subs: Beattie, Miedema, Maanum, D’Angelo, Maritz, Lacasse, Blackstenius, Codina, Cooney-Cross.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Berger Périsset, Mjelde, Carter, Charles Nüsken, Cuthbert Kaneryd, Fleming, James Kerr (c).
Subs: Musovic, Fishel, Ingle, Reiten, Lawrence, Kirby, Hampton, Buchanan, Beever-Jones.
The Arsenal crew has dropped …
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
🔙 Minor returns
🪄 Meado on the wing
⭐️ Russo leads the lineLet’s do this – collectively ❤️ pic.twitter.com/mnuvt9uIhn
— Arsenal Girls (@ArsenalWFC) December 10, 2023
… and here’s the Chelsea line-up.
Preamble
This match could get paid a location in record ahead of it commences, with Arsenal established to split their individual WSL attendance file at a close-to-bought-out Emirates. This fixture is a fitting celebration for a report group, offered both of those of these loval rivals’ star-studded squads and crowded trophy cabinets.
What transpires on the pitch ought to be memorable, much too. Arsenal commenced the season with dropped details and a major personal injury list, but have rallied to sit just three factors at the rear of Chelsea. The champions have seasoned turmoil of their own, but even Emma Hayes’ impending departure has not shaken her team’s imperious variety, with 7 wins and one attract so significantly.
These two London rivals appear the most likely to continue to be the system in an open title race, with plenty of exhilaration inspite of the halt-commence calendar. Resuming immediately after yet another intercontinental split, both equally groups will play just just one additional league sport right before the WSL’s month-extended wintertime crack.
That usually means today’s end result is likely to have a lingering influence on the title race. Chelsea are in search of a gain to shut down their rivals’ rising momentum Arsenal are aiming to expose fragility within the league leaders. It’s a big sport, on and off the area. Kick-off is at 12.30pm, GMT.