Which Arsenal Women would you field for UWCL qualifier against Linkoping? by Michelle
As Arsenal Women finished 3rd in the WSL last season, they have to compete in Round’s 1 & 2 of the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers, to secure their place in the group stages of the competition, with their first Round qualifier being played on Wednesday 6th September, against Swedish side Linkoping.
We already published Arsenal Women’s list of players, registered to play in the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers. Only 22 players have been registered, with the club able to add a further 3 players (maximum 25) by 5th September.
So, I can’t ask you to give me your starting XI, without having a go myself! My main reason for fielding the squad below is that I think Eidevall will stick with mostly proven, trusted players where he can – players that have been playing together at least through last season.
I have included some new players, Amanda Ilestedt & Laia Codina, in my starting XI because we were left with some pretty big defensive gaps towards the end of last season. I’m sure I don’t need to remind you that Leah Williamson & Laura Weinroither both suffered ACL injuries towards the end of the season, then we received the shocker that Rafaelle was departing Arsenal for pastures new too..
Arsenal Women’s other 2 new recruits, Cloe Lacasse & Alessia Russo, will play off the bench I believe – replacing Foord & Blackstenius through the second half. Beth Mead is also included but she too, I think, will not be in the starting line-up, though she may be given limited play time, as she reintegrates into club football, after rehabilitating from her ACL injury.
So what do you think I’ve got right? Or, indeed, wrong? What’s your starting XI?
COYGW!!
Michelle Maxwell
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Would disagree with your selections Michelle although on the “tried and trusted” principle I’d probably go with Lotte as a starting CB
Codina and Ilestedt doesn’t know each other yet.Besides Codina haven’t fully trained yet.It has to be Lotte partnering Amanda,sub by Jen. Pelova or McCabe is in the mix too.
I did question Codina vs Lotte, as she has only just joined the club – I think you may be correct on that one Chris.
We’ll know for sure in 15 mins Noemi – so exciting to the our Gunners back in club action!