Women’s Super League leaders Arsenal will travel to face Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby as they kick off the Women’s Football Weekend — an occasion that always supplies us with entertainment.
What can we expect?
Jonas Eidevall’s side will be hoping to continue their perfect start to the WSL campaign when they meet Spurs for a second time this season. They previously met in the FA Cup, where the Gunners dispatched five goals against their North London rivals.
The leaders will be hoping they can replicate a similar result and extend their lead at the top of the table. On the other hand, the hosts currently sit in third position, having collected 13 points from a possible 18.
Rehanne Skinner’s side has lost and drawn their last two fixtures in the league. This will be a perfect opportunity for them to turn their fortunes around and dampen their rivals’ 100% win record.
Embed from Getty ImagesTottenham Hotspur
A long hard summer of transfers and managerial change in North London has finally ended and the football has begun. Karen Hills and Juan Amos were both released from Tottenham in the winter after flirting with relegation during last season. This resulted in the board hiring Skinner, who has stamped her authority and built a foundation for the team.
After last season’s defensive frailties, Spurs look a lot more solid at the back. They have conceded just four goals in six games so far this term.
In addition to their defensive improvements they’ve also added more quality in their attacking areas.
Angela Addison and Rachel Williams have started to slowly add goals to their game and create more opportunities from open play. This stretches the opposition’s defence, which could ideally be an improvement to their attacking capabilities as they look a lot more threatening going forward.
Embed from Getty ImagesThere was a clear demonstration of this during the game against Manchester City, where Spurs won 2-1 in an exhilarating encounter. Williams equalised on the hour mark and an own goal from Karima Benameur Taieb sealed the victory for Spurs.
The Lilywhites became the first team to beat Manchester City at their home ground since 2018.
Skinner’s side will be looking to get back to winning ways when they meet Arsenal in a crucial lunchtime kick-off.
The hosts will be seeking three points and taking momentum from their last game against Manchester United after earning a hard-fought draw.
Arsenal
Similar to Tottenham, Arsenal have had a summer of managerial change after Joe Mumtemurro departed the club. Jonas Eidevall took over and couldn’t have asked for a more ideal start to his reign at Arsenal as they continue to go from strength to strength.
The Gunners were in Champions League action on Wednesday as they faced HB Køge and ran out as comfortable 5-1 winners. They’ll be looking to take their high-flying performance into this weekend’s derby game.
Arsenal have only lost once this season — against reigning European Champions Barcelona. So the red side of North London will be fairly confident with getting a result on Saturday and extending their lead in the Women Super League.
Embed from Getty ImagesPredicted Lineups
Tottenham Hotspur
Korpela; Neville, Zadorsky, Bartrip, Ale, Harrop, Clemaron, Percival, Naz, Williams, Graham
Arsenal
Zinsberger; McCabe, Wubben-Moy, Williamson, Catley, Maanum, Little, Walti, Mead, Miedema, Parris
Team News
Arsenal
The Gunners will be welcoming back Jen Beattie after her recovery from illness. Tobin Heath will also be welcomed back into the squad but only if she passes her fitness test on her calf strain. This will be the same procedure for Viki Schnaderbeck after she complained about a calf strain too.
Malin Gut remains out of action after suffering an ACL injury.
Spurs
For Spurs, they have a fully fit squad at their disposal ahead of the North London Derby.
Where to watch
The North London Derby will be shown live in the UK on BBC One. You can also stream the game via BBC iPlayer, starting at 13.15 GMT.
