Arsenal host Belgium club OH Leuven on Wednesday night in the second leg of the Women’s Champions League play-offs.
After last week’s fixture resulted in a 0-4 victory for the Gunners, Arno van den Abbeel’s side will need to put on a huge performance if they are to progress to the latter stages of the tournament.
The play-off winners will advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face WSL title holders **Chelsea**over a home and away leg.
Arsenal
England forward Beth Mead remains unavailable having suffered a hairline fracture to her shin.
Goalkeeper Anneke Borbe will make a return to the squad after sustaining a head injury in the Champions Cup final. Left back Taylor Hinds is also back in contention after recovering from a foot injury.
Kyra Cooney-Cross may be unavailable due to illness, whilst Olivia Smith will not appear in the matchday squad after a yellow card in last week’s fixture, resulting in a one-game ban.
OH Leuven
24 year-old Netherlands defender Linde Veefkind was not included in last week’s squad, despite making regular starts for the club. This was due to a one-game suspension triggered by a yellow card, however she will be back in contention for Wednesday’s fixture.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal
Van Domselaar; Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe; Little, Caldentey; Kelly, Maanum, Foord; Russo
OH Leuven
Seynhaeve; Everaerts, Biesmans, Mertens, Janssen; Hermans, Pusztai; Bosteels, Kujipers, Reynders; Conijnenberg
Key Players
Arsenal - Frida Maanum
After scoring a brace in last week’s leg, the pressure is on as the Norway midfielder attempts to retain her reputation as a formidable opposition.
The 26 year-old has made six appearances in the tournament so far this season.
This Champions League campaign is particularly crucial to Maanum - if the North London club advance to the final, they are in for a chance of lifting the trophy in her home town of Oslo.
OH Leuven - Zenia Mertens
The 24 year-old has made starts in every Champions League fixture this season, and was part of the Belgium international squad in last summer’s European tournament.
Whilst most commonly playing as a centre back, Mertens brings versatility to the squad, occasionally making appearances in the midfield.
Earlier this month, she cemented her loyalty to the club signing a contract extension until 2028.
Match Details
The fixture will take place at Meadow Park, Borehamwood.
Kick-off is at 8pm GMT.
The game will be available to watch live on Disney+.