Arsenal Women head coach Jonas Eidevall is relishing a crucial week for his side. The Gunners take on BK Hacken either side of their opening Women’s Super League game against title rivals Manchester City.

Eidevall’s team face Hacken at the Bravida Arena tonight before the return leg at Meadow Park next Thursday, with the winning side progressing to the Champions League group stage.

Asked if he looks forward to such busy periods of football, Eidevall said: “Of course. I think if you don't like this, you probably shouldn't be in professional football, because this is when it comes down to the margins. 

“Of course, everyone feels a little bit of pressure. For me, that's not a negative thing. It's positive. I think that's a necessity for high performance. So we're really looking forward to playing exciting games.”

BK Hacken sit in second place in the Swedish Damallsvenskan, and Eidevall labelled them a “brave team” who “stick to their identity.”

“They like to build. They like to play out from the back, especially when they play here at home. I think they've shown that in the Champions League as well, that they're good enough to play their brand of football against top teams in Europe. It’s the same thing if you look at their defending shape, they're definitely a team that likes to press. They like to play with intensity.

“I think they play a really positive brand of football. They like to express themselves on the ball. They invest with a lot of players in their build-up phase. They like to play with short combinations, with central combinations. They're a skilful team. They're quite enjoyable to watch when they're playing at their best. 

“Out of possession, in defence, they like to go out and press with intensity and really challenge the other team with how good they are at keeping possession of the ball. So I think there are a lot of ingredients for a really exciting game between two teams that like to be in possession of the football.”

Arsenal will be without defender Steph Catley and winger Lina Hurtig, but the Gunners have travelled to Gothenburg with a squad of 24 players. Both Rosa Kafaji and Stina Blackstenius will come up against their former club.