In the second gameweek of the Women’s Champions League, Arsenal host Valerenga. The Gunners’ season so far has been poor, epitomised by their embarrassing defeat last time out in this competition. Valerenga have only a few league games left this season, and have run away with the title. Their Champions League campaign however has been less successful.
This is a must win game for Arsenal if they are to kick start their season. Valerenga are a relatively new side among Europe’s elite in the women’s game, while Arsenal are a major force on that stage. Arsenal’s head coach, Jonas Eidevall’s job is on the line in this game.
Arsenal Women Predicted Lineup - Manuela Zinsberger; Katie McCabe, Laia Codina, Leah Williamson, Emily Fox; Lia Walti, Kim Little; Caitlin Foord, Frida Maanum, Mariona Caldentey; Alessia Russo
I wouldn’t be surprised if Jonas Eidevall made wholesale changes from the team that lost at the weekend to Chelsea, but seeing how important this game is for his job, he will still put out a strong side.
Frida Maanum has been Arsenal’s best player so far this season, so I expect her to dominate the midfield and bring her teammates into the game, in a similar way to how Martin Odegaard does for the men’s team. She’ll be the glue that holds the team together.
Valerenga Women Predicted Lineup - Trove Enblom; Iselin Sandnes Olsen, Michaela Dominique Kovacs, Sara Horte; Saedis Run Heidarsdottir, Thea Bjelde, Stine Brekken, Janni Thomsen; Olaug Tvedten, Karina Saevik, Emma Stolen Godo
Valerenga are very dominant in their domestic league, with their last defeat coming back on the 8th June. Their Champions League history however is less than impressive. They have never played more than four games in the competition before being knocked out and they opened this campaign with a 1-0 loss against Juventus.
Janni Thomsen has five goals in the competition’s history, so she could be a threat to Arsenal’s backline. The 24-year-old Danish winger joined the club in 2020 and has since scored 15 league goals.
Due to their recent arrival into European football, Valerenga have never played Arsenal before. Arsenal Women played against three different Scandinavian sides during their triumphant 2006/07 Champions League campaign so they do have a good record against teams from that part of the world.
Arsenal are not at the top of their game, so they won’t smash Valerenga away like many expect them to do. The Norwegian side did manage to challenge Juventus in their last game, so I don’t think this will be particularly easy for Arsenal. However, they do have a much stronger team and the home advantage.
With all of this in mind, our team of professional experts have decided that the best tip for this game is for Arsenal to Win 2-0. Odds of 4/1 on Betfred means that a £10 bet could see a potential return of £50. Please gamble responsibly.
(odds subject to change)
Arsenal Women 2-0 Valerenga Women
The international break is still going for the men’s teams. Scotland host Portugal in the Nations League, while Spain face Serbia.
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