Arsenal Women are set to face Marieanne Spacey’s Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium in the Conti Cup on Thursday evening. Spacey, an Arsenal and England legend, will be on the opposing side as she leads Southampton from the home dugout against Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners. Eidevall is likely to rotate the squad, considering a home game against West Ham awaits on Sunday.
Despite Southampton’s strong position in the Championship, the gap between the WSL and the Championship makes Arsenal the clear favorites for this fixture. Southampton has garnered five points from their first two Conti Cup games, drawing 1-1 with Bristol City and winning on penalties before securing a victory at Reading. In contrast, Arsenal secured three points in the group by defeating Bristol City 3-1.
TIME: 18:30 HRS BST
DATE: Thursday 23rd November 2023
LOCATION: St. Mary’s Stadium
A WORD FROM LIA WALTI
Arsenal’s Lia Walti emphasizes the importance of the upcoming game against Southampton, expressing the team’s desire to progress to the next round and defend their trophy. Walti acknowledges Southampton’s strengths but affirms Arsenal’s intention to dominate the game in front of an anticipated large crowd.
Southampton’s women’s team has a complex history, being reformed in 2017 after the men’s side withdrew support in 2005. Despite challenges, they have climbed the ranks and currently sit 3rd in the Championship. However, manager Marieanne Spacey emphasizes that this match is about Southampton’s players testing themselves against one of the best teams in Europe, deflecting personal narratives.
PREVIOUS MEETING:
The teams have never met before, with Southampton’s current iteration formed in 2017. This contrasts with the historical Southampton Girls and Ladies FC, who faced Arsenal in the 1999 FA Cup Final.
TEAM NEWS:
Jen Beattie, Kim Little, and Vivianne Miedema are under assessment for the game after missing the last two matches due to injuries. Leah Williamson, Laura Wienroither, and Teyah Goldie continue their recovery from ACL injuries. Sabrina D’Angelo’s availability remains uncertain due to personal reasons.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Kathrine Kuhl, a skilled Danish midfielder, has faced strong competition in Arsenal’s midfield this season. The Conti Cup provides her an opportunity to showcase her talent and build a case for more significant involvement in the WSL. At 20 years old, Kuhl, with a World Cup experience, aims to make a lasting impact.
AVAILABLE SQUAD:
GOALKEEPERS: 1.Zinsberger, 40.Williams
DEFENDERS: 3.Wubben-Moy, 5.Beattie, 7.Catley, 16.Maritz, 27.Codina, 28.Ilestedt
MIDFIELDERS: 10.Little, 11.Miedema, 12.Maanum, 13.Walti, 15.McCabe, 21.Pelova, 22.Kuhl, 32.Cooney-Cross, 53.Lia
FORWARDS: 9.Mead, 17.Hurtig, 19.Foord, 23.Russo, 24.Lacasse, 25.Blackstenius
Unavailable: 6.Williamson, 14.D’Angelo, 26.Wienroither, 29.Goldie
EXPECTED STRATEGY:
Given the balance between a challenging WSL match against West Ham on Sunday and the importance of progressing in the Conti Cup, Jonas Eidevall is likely to strategically rotate the squad. The match provides an opportunity for players like Kathrine Kuhl to showcase their skills and make a compelling case for increased involvement in the Women’s Super League.
The absence of key players like Jen Beattie, Kim Little, and Vivianne Miedema in recent matches due to injuries has been notable, and their potential return or continued absence will impact the squad dynamics. The defensive unit, including the likes of Lotte Wubben-Moy, Steph Catley, and Noëlle Maritz, will play a crucial role in maintaining stability at the back.
Lia Walti’s central midfield presence will be instrumental in dictating the game’s tempo, while forwards such as Caitlin Foord, Tobin Heath, and Nikita Parris will aim to capitalize on goal-scoring opportunities. The squad’s depth will be tested, and younger players may have a chance to prove their worth on the big stage.
MARIEANNE SPACEY’S APPROACH
Marieanne Spacey, with her rich history at Arsenal, faces a unique situation managing Southampton against her former club. Her emphasis on spotlighting Southampton players rather than personal narratives indicates a focus on the team’s development and a desire to gauge their progress against top-tier opponents.
Southampton’s recent success in the Championship suggests they won’t be taken lightly, and Spacey’s coaching acumen will play a pivotal role in orchestrating a competitive performance. The players, eager to measure themselves against one of Europe’s top teams, will look to seize opportunities and make a statement.
ANTICIPATED CROWD SUPPORT
As has become customary for Arsenal away matches, a record attendance for Southampton Women’s game is expected, reflecting the growing interest and support for women’s football. The vibrant atmosphere at St. Mary’s Stadium will add an extra layer of excitement to the fixture.
The Conti Cup clash between Southampton Women and Arsenal Women promises an intriguing battle between a resurgent Southampton side and a formidable Arsenal team. With both teams eyeing progression in the tournament, the match is poised to deliver exciting moments, potential breakthroughs for emerging talents, and a test of strategic squad management by the respective managers. Football enthusiasts eagerly await the outcome of this captivating encounter at St. Mary’s Stadium.
