Key events
Are you at a game today? If you are get in touch and let me know what the stadium food is like. One of my favourite social media accounts is football scran, which details what clubs have available. I must confess I have treated myself to a takeaway to get prepped for this mega day of football.
The North London derby is not the only rivalry re-igniting this weekend with the Merseyside derby taking place tomorrow. Tom Garry spoke to Everton manager Brian Sørensen about the match:
Spurs boss Robert Vilahamn has labelled Arsenal favourites this weekend, saying: “Arsenal have been in the game longer than us and won a lot. We are the underdogs, can accept that now, but in the long run in this derby, we want to be expected to win home games.”
Arsenal’s interim boss, who is making a claim for the permanent role, Renée Slegers said of Tottenham: “I think Tottenham are a strong team. They’ve been playing a top four opposition in quite a lot of games already, which are tough games. I think they might be stronger than the results they’ve had so far. So, we’re really respectful of them as an opponent, they have some individual qualities. I think they show great mentality and do things together. So, it’s going to be very hard opponent. But again, I think if we keep on bringing what we’re bringing, I think we’re a top team.”
The team news is in. Tottenham make two changes from their defeat to Manchester City last time out. Ella Morris and Matilda Vinberg drop out for Hayley Raso and Amanda Nilden.
Tottenham: Spencer, Neville, Buhler, Hunt, Nilden, Bartrip, Summanen, Spence, Raso, Naz England..
Arsenal, meanwhile, make one change with Beth Mead benched in favour of Mariona Caldentey. Leah Williamson and Kim Little make their 150th WSL appearances.
Arsenal: Van Domselaar, Fox, Williamson, Catley, Mariona, Little (C), McCabe, Maanum, Walti, Foord, Russo
Preamble
Hello and welcome to the North London derby in the Women’s Super League. This fixture last season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium created history as Spurs beat Arsenal for the first time in the league, the home crowd will be hoping for a similar result this afternoon.
However, that will prove tricky as Arsenal have hit some good form over the past few weeks. Last weekend they defeated Brighton, who are having a good season themselves, 5-0. The Gunners then followed that up with a thumping 4-0 win over Juventus in the Women’s Champions League. So Spurs do have their work cut out for them.
Tottenham have had a bumpy start to the season and are seventh after only two wins this campaign. But a victory at home in front of a bumper crowd could jumpstart some consistency to their season.
We will take a look at what has been said in the build-up shortly but first let’s take a look at the team news before kick-off at 1.45pm GMT.
