Another key test in the UEFA Women's Champions League awaits as our Gunners head to Valerenga in Norway (5.45pm UK)
After securing a decisive victory over Valerenga at the Emirates Stadium back in October, and off the back of a 4-0 victory against Aston Villa, we now travel to Vålerenga Stadion where the Norwegian side will host us in their capital city.
LAST TIME OUT
We dominated the Norwegian side at home in October, scoring four goals from four different players.
Emily Fox netted her first for the club within a minute and Caitlin Foord doubled the lead in the 28th minute. Though the visitors pulled one back before halftime, Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo sealed the victory, securing three points for our Gunners.
The Opposition
Drawing to Bayern Munich Women in the last UEFA Champions League group game on home turf, Valerenga look to add to their point on the board when we come to visit.
The Norwegian side has only scored twice in this competition and conceded nine goals. In the Women's Toppserien, Valerenga are sitting top of the table, with a goal difference of 57.
STATS AND FACTS
If Alessia Russo plays on Thursday night, it will be her 50th appearance for the club, joining Laura Wienrother who reached this milestone last weekend
Our Gunners have won all five of their last games in all competitions
We are averaging 2.8 goals scored per match
Valerenga have only lost just once at home in their last 12 games in all competitions (W9, D2)
Should we win in Norway, it will be our Gunners' fourth successive Women’s Champions League victory. This is the first time since 2021/22.
WHAT THE MANAGER SAYS
Slegers on Valerenga: "They're a super-disciplined team. I think whatever phase they're in, they go wholehearted. They go 100%, their high press is really aggressive".
"So I think whatever they do in the game, they do it really well and they seem invested in their game plan and togetherness of them as a team. It's obviously one of their last games of the season, so I think they're going to try and bring everything and give it their last little push for the end of the season".
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TEAM NEWS
Slegers confirmed that our captain, Kim Little, did not travel with the squad to Norway: "We travelled with 23 players to Norway today. Kim Little didn't travel. She's recovering- it's not too bad."
Emily Fox travelled with the squad.
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MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Eleni Antoniou
Assistant referees: Georgia Komisopoulou and Heini Hyvönen
Fourth official: Lina Lehtovaara
HOW TO WATCH
Kick-off at the Vålerenga Stadion is 5.45pm (UK).
Supporters will be able to watch the action live from home via the official DAZN streaming platform and their YouTube channel throughout the world with the exception of the Middle East or North Africa
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