The League Cup returns under the Borehamwood lights, and Arsenal have decided that continuity is overrated. In a move that reads part chess gambit, part mic drop, Renée Slegers has made five changes to her starting XI for tonight’s semi-final against Manchester United. Message received: this is not rotation season; this is statement season.
Taylor Hinds, Laia Codina, Victoria Pelova, Frida Maanum and Caitlin Foord step in after Sunday’s calm, controlled 2–0 FA Cup win over Aston Villa. Out go Emily Fox, Steph Catley, Kim Little, Beth Mead and Stina Blackstenius. No panic. No drama. Just decisions.
League Cup: What Changed and Why It Matters
Anneke Borbe keeps the gloves, while Daphne van Domselaar’s return to the bench adds a quiet sense of security. Lotte Wubben-Moy captains the back line again, flanked by Codina and McCabe, a trio that suggests steel first, questions later.
Midfield sees Mariona Caldentey and Pelova reunited, with Maanum’s inclusion hinting at attacking intent. Translation: Arsenal are not here to wait.
League Cup: The Shape of the Night
Russo may push higher up, supported by Foord and Olivia Smith on the wings. It’s pace, press, repeat. Manchester United, meanwhile, arrive with a disciplined XI led by Millie Turner and Hinata Miyazawa, built to absorb and counter.
League Cup: The Author’s Take
Here’s my read: Slegers trusts depth, not reputation. According to sources, this is about rhythm, not rest. The boldness isn’t reckless; it’s rehearsed. Cups reward nerve. Arsenal are betting they have plenty.
Kick-off is 7pm. Mangata Developments Stadium. One ticket to the final. Bring popcorn. Or antacids.Beyond tactics and names, this feels like Arsenal testing their own ceiling. A semi-final is a mirror, not a safety net. Tonight, the reflection will be honest, loud, and unforgiving. That’s usually how trophies start whispering. Let’s wait and see.
More on ARSENAL:
Follow Six Sports on