Preview: Gunners vs. Toffees – Arsenal Look to Continue Climbing the WSL Table in upcoming WSL Clash

Many fans of the WSL would assume that this match-up has a predictable result, writes Isobel Gilligan

However, Arsenal’s last time out against Everton at Walton Hall Park still haunts fans as the match that put the final dent in The Gunners’ title race hopes at the end of the 2023-24 season.

An equalising header in the 95th minute from rising star Isabella Hobson saw Everton draw level to Arsenal and sent the Reds back to North London with only one point added to the table.

This time around, Arsenal fans will want to see a totally different result.

On home soil, at the Emirates which has become a fortress for The Gunners with ever-growing attendances and passionate Gooner support, the stadium has become somewhere that few visiting teams relish.

Tens of thousands of fans will roar the team on as they watch on and hope to see The Gunners continue their winning streak and keep making waves in the new WSL season.

Brian Sorensen’s young and hungry Everton side will be looking to cause upset on their trip to N5 and after a reasonably quiet transfer window, the squad should be comfortable with each other.

However, two of the team’s most exciting players, Italian International Aurora Galli and 21-year-old Spaniard Imna Gabarro have both sustained ACL injuries in the opening weeks of the season.

But if there’s one thing Arsenal should understand, it is not to underestimate the power of an injury-plagued team.

A midweek League Cup game saw Everton draw 1-1 to Championship side Newcastle in normal time before Ireland International goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan made the headlines after making three saves in the penalty shootout and the Blues took the win.

With four games in the next two weeks, Jonas Eidevall will be looking to use rotate his full squad to optimise results.

This packed fixture calendar could mean that we see debut WSL starts for the likes of summer signing Rosa Kafaji or Kathrine Kuhl who completed a successful loan spell at Everton last season. Their inclusion could be key to keeping the squad fresh and competitive. 

Off the back of a successful Champions League qualification run and a win last weekend. Arsenal have built some good momentum and will hope to continue this into this weekend’s fixture.

But having only seen off Leicester 1-0, Eidevall will be hoping his team can sharpen their edge in front of goal and convert any chances created to avoid another frustrating afternoon against a hungry Everton.  

Isobel Gilligan