It's crunch time in the UEFA Women's Champions League qualifiers as we battle it out for a place in the group stages against BK Hacken.
The Swedish side got the better of us in the away leg last week and our Gunners are even more determined to turn the tie around at Meadow Park.
TALE OF THE TIE
After cruising through Round 1 of the UWCL qualifiers, BK Hacken provided a stern wake-up call on a disappointing Wednesday night in Gothenburg.
Despite having no shortage of possession or chances on goal, we were unable to break through the Swedish side's low block and were punished for it. In the 76th minute, a ball over the top found Hacken's Tabitha Tindell and she gave the hosts a one-goal advantage heading into the second leg.
Our Gunners had little time to regroup before hosting Manchester City for our WSL opener at Emirates Stadium but a gutsy 2-2 draw brought plenty of positives to take into tonight's vital clash.
"The motivation is high tomorrow to win that game, to turn it around and to finally get into the group stages," said Manuela Zinsberger in the pre-match press conference. "We have to be at our best. We need every single player on the pitch and on the bench."
Victory by at least two goals will see us through to the Champions League group stages again after last season's absence. If we only manage to score one more goal than Hacken tonight, the tie will head to extra time and ultimately, penalties. There is no away goals rule.
The UWCL groups are decided by a UEFA draw in Nyon on Friday afternoon.
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Eidevall on Hacken: "They've been more successful in the Champions League than in the domestic league, and I think that comes to them being good at executing specific game plans. So, we're prepared for a game where they can have a lot of different approaches to manage points, but what really is on our focus is our performance and what we need to do, and we understand that what we do is going to shape a lot of what they're going to do."
Lind on us: "Arsenal need to perform in the league. I hope the [Man City] match is intense so they wear themselves out. We’re off this weekend and we only have the return leg against Arsenal to focus on. Arsenal need to score two more goals than us to secure a spot in the Champions League group stage, so the pressure’s on them. We’re in a good position."
TEAM NEWS
Leah Williamson has been ruled out of the tie due to concussion protocol. There is still no timeframe for our number 6 to return to the squad.
Lina Hurtig took part in team training yesterday and Steph Catley completed individual training on the pitch, but neither are fit for the match against Hacken.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Catarina Campos
Assistant referees: Sandrine Gonçalves Santos and Raquel Moreira Pinho
Fourth official: Ines Andrada
HOW TO WAtch
You can watch all of tonight's action live on Arsenal.com and our app. The stream is worldwide, with the exception of Sweden.
Charlotte Richardson and former Gunner Gilly Flaherty will be on commentary duties for the tie, and coverage begins at 7.25pm (UK).
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