Preview: Arsenal Women v Manchester City

A place in the final awaits as we host Manchester City in the Subway Women’s League Cup semi-finals at Meadow Park for a 7pm kick off.

After a seven goal thriller on Sunday against the visitors, with our Gunners taking all three points back to north London, we look to beat Manchester City twice in five days. 

IN THE LAST ROUND 

Our Gunners secured their spot in the semi-finals of the cup after a big away win against Brighton and Hove Albion, with all four goals netted in the second half. Frida Mannum started our quick succession of goals as we scored three in five minutes. Katie McCabe scored her first goal of the season for us with Kyra Cooney Cross adding to the scoreline. Mariona Caldentey came off the bench and also found herself on the score sheet, with our Gunners winning confidently on the road, booking our place in the semi-finals.

CUP DREAMS FOR CITY 

Like us, the Cityzens entered the competition in the fourth round due to tournament rules, setting up a Manchester Derby clash with Manchester United. City took an early lead when Laura Coombs found the net just 12 minutes in. United responded with an equaliser just before half-time, hoping to go into the break on level terms. However, City reclaimed their advantage during injury time of the first half thanks to a well-taken goal from Lily Murphy.

Manchester City will be eager to lift silverware this season, having last won a trophy five months into Gareth Taylor’s role in 2020. Despite coming close in recent years, they are still chasing their next piece of silverware.

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY 

Renee Slegers on the game: “We’re very aware of what kind of game we’re going to play tomorrow and what it could mean for us, so we look forward to it. It means a lot, we want to go for trophies, so we know what the game means and we look forward to it.

”It’s going to be a very tight game. It’s two top teams."

Gareth Taylor: “It’s a tough game for us, we know the level they can produce."

TEAM NEWS

Slegers confirmed there are no new injuries or illnesses: “Caitlin Foord is back available. Katie McCabe is back from suspension."

On if Jenna Nighswonger could play:

“We have to progress her really well. She comes from a break in the US and a camp with the national team, so we have to be really smart with her, but with everything she’s been showing in training, she looks really good."

FACTS AND STATS 

• This is the eighth Women’s League Cup meeting between Arsenal and Manchester City. The last two have been in semi-finals with us going through each time.
• Manchester City have won just two of 10 games against us (D2 L6). 
• Our Gunners have reached 10 Women’s League Cup finals, the most of any side. 
• In 11 semi-final appearances, our only defeat was in the 2016 season when we lost 1-0 to Manchester City.
• Our number eight, Mariona Caldentey, scored once and assisted twice in our 4-0 Women’s League Cup quarter-final win over Brighton, leading all WSL players in combined goals and assists this season (17 – 10 goals, 7 assists).
• Khadija Shaw has scored seven goals in 11 Women’s League Cup appearances for Manchester City, although in all competitions she’s failed to score in each of her last four against us.

KEY DATES 

Should we beat Manchester City at Meadow Park on Thursday, we'll be in the final of the Subway Women’s League Cup, which will take place at Pride Park on Saturday, March 15 at 12.15pm.

We will play the winner of Chelsea v West Ham.

HOW TO WATCH 

The match kicks off at 7:00 pm (UK) and if you haven’t made the trip to Meadow Park,  you can tune into the game via the WSL official Youtube channel or on BBC iPlayer.