Arsenal Women to travel to Germany to face Bayern Munich in an exciting Champions League clash at 5.45pm (UK) on Wednesday.
They come to this game after a tough draw against Everton in the Women’s Super League. Talking about the WCL, they overcame a one-goal deficit to win 4-1 against the Swedish side last week. They are now drawn with Juventus, Bayern, and Valerenga in Group C.
Bayern are in top form after winning five out of five games in the Bundesliga. They have scored a whopping 18 goals in these games, while conceding just three.
We’ve got a big week ahead, Gooners.
We’re going to need you with us ❤️ pic.twitter.com/zO2HRIudcL
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) October 7, 2024
English star midfielder Georgia Stanway has continued to find the net this campaign with three goals and two assists in five games in the Frauen-Bundesliga.
She will be tough to play against, but Arsenal need to keep her quiet in the entire contest. The Gunners have grabbed just a single in three Women’s Super League games.
Although filled with international stars, Jonas Eidevall’s side have scored just three and conceded two in the WSL this season. Currently they are housed in sixth place, two points adrift of league leaders Manchester City.
Their defenders need to be on their toes as they will put to pace here. This will be their toughest away game this season, and a win here will boost their confidence.
CURRENT FORM IN ALL COMPETITIONS:
Bayern Munich: W, W, W, W, W
Arsenal: D, W, W, D, L
HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD:
The hosts have an edge in the head-to-head numbers, winning three out of their last five games against Arsenal.
The English giants got the better of their next WCL opponent in the 2022/23 season. They defeated them 2-1 on aggregate in the quarterfinals, thanks to goals from Frida Maanum and Stina Blackstenius. However, they just couldn’t get past Wolfsburg, as they were defeated 2-3 in the semi-final round.
Bayern are yet to lift the WCL, but the Gooners have won it way back in 2006/07. Both sides have strengthened themselves since the past two years, and it will make this tie even more intriguing to watch.
TEAM NEWS:
Bayern are without long-term absentees Lena Oberdorf and Katharina Naschenweng (cruciate ligament injuries). Forward Franziska Kett will also miss out due to an ankle issue.
Captain Glódís Perla Viggósdóttir will return after receiving a red card against Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga.
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Talking about the Gunners, defender Leah Williamson made a come back as a substitute vs Everton after missing out a few weeks of action due to concussion. She remains in contention to return for the next clash.
However, they will be without Victoria Pelova, who has been sidelined due to an anterior cruciate injury. Lina Hurtig is yet to play this season as she continues to recover. Laura Wienroither and Amanda Ilestedt will also sidelined for this contests.
The manager might use Lia Walti and Stina Blackstenius for Wednesday’s trip.
💬 “If we needed a bit of fuel and fire, or you didn’t know what to expect from us on Wednesday, I think you do now.”@leahcwilliamson on how today’s result will galvanise us for the week ahead 💪
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) October 6, 2024
Bayern potential lineup: Grohs, Gwinn, Viggósdóttir, Sembrant, Simon, Kerr, Stanway, Dallmann, Harder, Buhl, Schueller.
Arsenal potential lineup: Van Domselaar; Fox, Williamson, Codina, McCabe, Walti, Cooney-Cross, Mead, Maanum, Caldentey, Blackstenius.
OUR PREDICTION FOR THIS GAME:
We expect this contest to end in a 2-2 draw. Although the hosts are in excellent form, the North London women have performed really well against the top sides in the Champions League.
So much is at stake in this tricky opening group stage game. Every goal and every tackle will matter here, and you just can’t afford to miss this contest.
