Arsenal Women have confirmed their starting XI for Saturday evening’s Women’s Super League clash with Manchester United at Emirates Stadium.
Renée Slegers has made several attacking changes as Arsenal look to respond to last weekend’s frustrating 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace.
The headline selection sees Alessia Russo and Stina Blackstenius both start for the first time this season.
Olivia Smith also returns to the XI, while Kim Little is named among the substitutes.
Russo and Blackstenius start together
Slegers has opted for a significantly more aggressive attacking setup.
Russo and Blackstenius are both included from the start, with Arseblog News confirming it is the first time this season the two forwards have started together. Arseblog’s team-news report also confirms Little is on the bench, while Frida Maanum and Taylor Hinds are absent from the matchday squad.
That selection comes after Slegers spent the week working on Arsenal’s attacking efficiency.
The Gunners created 30 attempts without scoring against Crystal Palace, prompting the head coach to explain the final-third changes Arsenal have worked on before facing Manchester United.
Starting both Russo and Blackstenius gives Arsenal a very different attacking profile.
Slegers makes changes from Crystal Palace draw
Misa Rodríguez continues in goal.
Emily Fox, Leah Williamson, Steph Catley and Ona Batlle form the back four, with Williamson captaining the side.
Georgia Stanway starts in midfield alongside Mariona Caldentey.
Further forward, Lisa Baum and Olivia Smith are selected around Russo and Blackstenius.
The lineup differs from the team we backed in our Arsenal Women predicted XI against Manchester United, particularly with Little dropping to the bench and Blackstenius coming into the starting side.
Slegers has clearly opted for greater attacking firepower after Arsenal’s problems breaking down Palace.
Confirmed Arsenal Women XI vs Manchester United
Arsenal: Misa; Fox, Williamson (C), Catley, Batlle; Stanway, Mariona; Russo; Baum, Smith, Blackstenius.
Substitutes: Borbe, Wubben-Moy, Foord, Little, Reuteler, Kelly, Cerci, Holmberg, Cooney-Cross.
Arsenal can also equal a long-standing club record by avoiding defeat.
Slegers’ side have gone 19 WSL matches unbeaten, with our look at Arsenal Women’s record run explaining what is at stake against United.
Manchester United arrive having lost both of their opening league fixtures, including a 5-0 defeat against Chelsea.
We have also looked at why United arrive at Emirates Stadium after their worst WSL start.
Supporters unable to attend can find all broadcast information in our Arsenal Women vs Manchester United TV and live stream guide.
Kick-off at Emirates Stadium is at 5.30pm.
Man Utd Arrive at Arsenal After Worst WSL Start in Club History
Man Utd Arrive at Arsenal After Worst WSL Start in Club History
Arsenal Women Predicted XI vs Man Utd as Slegers Faces Two Big Calls
Arsenal Women Predicted XI vs Man Utd as Slegers Faces Two Big Calls