Arsenal Make Key Changes Ahead of West Ham Clash
Arsenal Women head into their Barclays Women’s Super League meeting with West Ham United tonight under the lights in Dagenham, and there’s already plenty of intrigue around the team sheet. Manager Renée Slegers has opted to make three changes from the side that comfortably defeated London City Lionesses 4-1 last weekend, showing a mix of continuity and fresh energy.
Frida Maanum, Beth Mead, and Caitlin Foord are all drafted into the starting lineup. For Foord, this fixture will be a particularly special occasion as it marks her 100th appearance in the Women’s Super League. With those inclusions, Victoria Pelova, Olivia Smith, and Chloe Kelly make way, with Kelly sitting out due to a slight knock. That adjustment means Arsenal still field a very strong side, one that balances experience, leadership, and attacking intent.
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The defensive structure remains unchanged, reflecting the manager’s trust in her backline. Emily Fox, Katie Reid, Steph Catley, and Katie McCabe continue to provide stability in front of goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar. In midfield, captain Kim Little partners Mariona Caldentey, ensuring creativity and control in the heart of the pitch. Up front, Alessia Russo leads the line, supported by Mead, Foord, and Maanum in attacking roles designed to stretch West Ham’s defense.
For the hosts, there’s also plenty at stake. West Ham United Women are eager to bounce back after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in their opening fixture. That match was decided by a late penalty, leaving the Irons frustrated after having created good opportunities but failing to convert them. Now, they see tonight as a chance to reset and deliver a statement performance in front of their supporters at the Chigwell Construction Stadium.
One player especially looking forward to this clash is Ffion Morgan. The Wales international joined West Ham in the summer and made her debut last week as a substitute. While the result didn’t go her team’s way, Morgan impressed with her direct running and dangerous crosses from the right flank. She admitted how special it was to play in front of her family and is determined to make an even bigger impact tonight in what will be her first home game for the Hammers.
Both sides have already had an early look at each other. A pre-season friendly in August saw Arsenal claim a 2-0 win over West Ham, but as Morgan pointed out, pre-season matches rarely tell the full story, with lineups and tactics constantly shifting. This time, with points on the line and the atmosphere heightened by a London derby under the lights, the intensity will be entirely different.
So, as kickoff approaches, Arsenal arrive confident but not complacent, while West Ham step out determined to prove their resilience. With history, rivalry, and early-season momentum all in play, this promises to be a fixture full of energy, tactical battles, and possibly decisive moments from both seasoned internationals and rising stars.
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