Tonight’s game had to be rescheduled due to Arsenal’s Champions League semi final first leg taking place this weekend, much to the frustration of Jonas Eidevall, who expressed his annoyance that Chelsea had no midweek game ahead of their semi final whilst Arsenal did. Of course, the fact that Arsenal’s opponent happens to be the current league leaders, means that the task this week is a difficult one, but the Gunners have coped well in recent months with a tough run of fixtures.

United were in semi final action themselves on the weekend, reaching their first ever major final since their foundation in 2018 with a 3-2 win over Brighton in the FA Cup. Bottom of the table Brighton had a new manager in Melissa Phillips in charge after Jens Scheuer left the club, and despite being bottom of the WSL the Seagulls made life very difficult for United and took the lead when Sarri’s cross was parried into the net by Mary Earps in a strange error. 

Leah Galton and Alessia Russo turned things around for United shortly after half time, but a mistake from Millie Turner then allowed former Arsenal striker Danielle Carter through on goal to equalise. Substitute Rachel Williams came on to score the goal that sent United to Wembley, but they will have to make some significant improvements as they take on an Arsenal side who have won their last four games in the WSL.

Arsenal have been boosted by the return of Lia Walti and Steph Catley tonight, but Jonas Eidevall confirmed that the game would come too soon for Caitlin Foord, who went off injured in the win over Manchester City. With Lucia Garcia and Ona Battle looking to get forward and attack in tandem down United’s right flank, either Noelle Maritz or Catley at left back will be crucial to Arsenal’s defensive hopes.

The Gunners will also be without their captain Kim Little, who signed a new contract with the club yesterday, so Leah Williamson will likely step into midfield once again with Lotte-Wubben Moy partnering Rafaelle in defence. Alessia Russo was marshalled well by Brighton on the weekend, but United have a fluid front four that will swap positions and drag defenders out of position, and have scored more than any other WSL side this season.

Katie McCabe serves a one match suspension after an accumulation of yellow cards, so once again Arsenal will have to cope without some key players. The Gunners lost 3-2 to United in the reverse fixture at the Emirates, where United came from behind and won the game thanks to a late Russo goal.

A win would move Arsenal level on points with Manchester United at the top of the table, whilst United will look to increase their lead over Chelsea in their quest for their first ever WSL title.

The Gooner will be covering the game at Leigh Sports Village, with a match report, player ratings and post match reaction from Jonas Eidevall all to come.