Key events
A reminder what went down in the corresponding fixture earlier in the campaign. Russo’s 91st minute winner at the Emirate’s once again turned the title race on its head:
You can’t keep a champion down! Good to see Maria Thorisdottir in the building.
I’m sure you’re all well aware, but just in case you needed reminding, we (not me) put together a cracking podcast called Women’s Football Weekly.
If you want the soothing sounds of the voices of Faye Carruthers and Suzanne Wrack, and you promise to be back here for kick-off in 15 minutes, here it is:
A reminder that Man United currently sit top of the table with 41 points from 17 games.
Treble chasing Chelsea are just behind them on 40 points but have a game in hand.
Arsenal have also played a game less than United and are three points back. A win would take them level, but the Red Devils haver a goal difference of +37 while Arsenal’s is +30. For what it’s worth, Chelsea’s goal difference is +28.
Arsenal will also have an eye over the shoulder as they’re level with Manchester City who have played 17 games. Defeat this evening could put their Champions League status at risk.
A bit of formation chat:
United with a back four and two deeper midfielders in Ladd and Zelem. Three midfielders in front of that with Toone, wearing 7, playing the 10 role. Russo up front will come deep to help but lots of work on her plate tonight.
United: 4-2-3-1.
Arsenel have set up with more natural width. Pelova will be a handful down the right if she finds space.
Arsenal 4-3-3.
It’d be an understatement to say that Arsenal have a difficult few weeks ahead. Their injury list is growing and they face a challenging two-legged Champions League semi-final tie against Wolfsburg.
To make matters worse, the WSL schedule has thrown a spanner in the works. At least according to their manager who isn’t the happiest chap. Does he have a point?
Who said it always rains in the north? Leigh Sports Village looks a picture! And it’s a sell-out.
As I said, the focus in the build up, as far as Arsenal are concerned, has been on the players missing as much as those wearing the badge tonight.
Kim Little is a big loss and won’t be available for the crucial run-in as the Gunners fight on two fronts:
Arsenal name team with big guns missing
Caitlin Foord doesn’t yet return. Kim Little and Katie McCabe are also absent forcing Jonas Eidevall to shuffle the pack.
Arsenal: Zinsberger, Maritz, Wubben-Moy, Raffaelle, Wienroither, Williamson, Walti, Kuhl, Pelova, Maanum, Blackstenius.
Subs: D’Angelo, Marckese, Beattie, Goldie, Catley, Gio, Taylor, Agyemang.
United team news
A couple of changes from Saturday for the table toppers. Aoife Mannion and Nikita Parris are in. Millie Turner and Lucia Garcia make way.
Manchester United: Earps, Batille, Mannion, Blundell, Toone, Zelem (c), Galton, Ladd, Le Tissier, Parris, Russo.
Subs: Baggaley, Riviere, Tounkara, Turner, Boe Risa, Cscarino, Garcia, Thomas, Williams.
Preamble
Daniel Gallan
Good evening everyone. Did you all enjoy the sunshine today? Feels like summer, doesn’t it? At least it did down in London.
Tell you what though, a storm is brewing. Clouds are gathering in Manchester and I don’t just mean the scheduled rain this weekend.
Manchester United are on a title charge. Top of the log (albeit having a played one game more than the chasing pack), they could become the first new winners of the Women’s Super League since Manchester City were crowned champions back in 2016.
It’s been a remarkable run for a side so often fighting for survival in the long shadow cast by the men’s team but Marc Skinner’s side have been brilliant this campaign.
This, however, will be some test. Arsenal are in the hunt themselves and a win tonight would take them level on points with the Red Devils.
It’s squeaky bum time, as one legendary manager once put it. United have an FA Cup final over the horizon while the Gunners have a couple of dates with Wolfsburg in the Champions League.
But that’s all for another day. It’s first against third in the WSL and it promises to be a belter.
My name is Daniel. You can call me Dan if you like. In fact, you can call me anything as long as you keep it friendly and get in touch over on Twitter or email. Let’s have some fun together.
Kick off at 7:15 BST. Teams and updates to follow.
