This season there will be four North London derbies with the first taking place this weekend in the FA Cup.
The four games are the upcoming delayed FA Women’s Cup 2019/20 quarter-final, the FA WSL Continental Cup group stage game and of course the two league games. It will be a good test for Spurs to see if they can compete at the highest level in the FA WSL with all their new signings.
The opposition
Tottenham had an ambitious transfer window. They let go of six players and signed six who have certainly improved and added depth to their squad.
They signed two experienced English players from Birmingham City in Kerys Harrop and Rachel Williams. They added a back-up goalkeeper Aurora Mikkelsen previously at Manchester United and also got two seasoned international defenders from Orlando Pride. Canadian Shelina Zadorsky and Australian Alanna Kennedy have boosted their ranks.
On deadline day, they signed the most marketable women’s football player in Alex Morgan from Orlando Pride, who has just come back to football after giving birth to baby girl, Charlie.
The USWNT forward has just trained for a week with Spurs, so it would be a surprise to see her start.
Last season, Arsenal beat Spurs 2-0 at the new White Hart Lane and Spurs who were debutants in the FA WSL did well to adjust to professional football. It is no surprise to see them go for quality over quantity this summer.
Spurs have five ex-Arsenal players: Rebecca Spencer, Gemma Davison, Anna Filbey, Rianna Dean and Jessica Naz.
They are a resilient side as we saw last November and also boast a few creative players.
Arsenal should still be able to beat them if they perform at the right level.
Injury news
As per Arsenal.com and the manager’s update:
Jill Roord’s status will be determined when she is back at London Colney, Lydia Williams is not ready yet, Jennifer Beattie should be back in full training. You still would expect her to be short of match fitness. Leah Williamson should be back in training, so like Jennifer Beattie could be short of match fitness.
You can keep up-to-date with our regular injury page.
International matches game time
Jill Roord came back injured from Netherlands’s Russia trip.
Our three Swiss players played two full games, while every other player got about 90 minutes overall.
You would expect Montemurro to give the Swiss players a breather, especially as there will be a semi-final coming up four days later, should we beat Spurs, of course.
Van de Donk: 90/90 Assist (A)
Roord 73/90 G (INJ)
Miedema 88/90Nobbs, Williamson, Mead and Wubben-Moy involved in England camp. Williamson pulled out Injured.
— Ben Waite (@etiawneb) September 23, 2020
Predicted starting 11
Zinsberger; Maier, Williamson, Beattie, Catley; Wubben-Moy Little, Nobbs; Evans, Foord, Van de Donk
Goalkeeper: even if Manuela Zinsberger has not had the most convincing start of the season in the first three games. She should keep her shirt ahead of youngster Fran Stenson, unless Montemurro wants to test the England youth international.
Right-back: Leonie Maier has not started a game so far and it would make sense to start her against Spurs, especially as she was involved in two games with Germany and is sharp.
Centre-back pairing: With Jennifer Beattie and Leah Williamson both just back from injury and in training, the Arsenal manager could be tempted to give them a run out, or keep Viktoria Schnaderbeck in the side.
Left-back: Stephanie Catley had no international games and therefore should get the nod.
Defensive midfielders: Kim Little, who had no international game and Lotte Wubben-Moy who has played there for the Arsenal in the youth teams could get the nod, if the Swiss players are given a break.
Number 10: Jordan Nobbs played in the two in-house friendlies and was in form so it would make sense to play her.
Right-wing: Lisa Evans, no international game and little game time this season should see her get a game against Spurs
Centre-Forward: Caitlin Foord as part of the squad rotation, she should get a first start this season and it would also allow Vivianne Miedema a little rest if she wants it.
Left-Wing:Danielle van de Donk has not started a game since the Champions League defeat. Therefore she should get a start to get back into the rhythm.
The game kick-off on Saturday 26 Sep at 17.15 and will be broadcast live on BBC2, BBC iplayer and the FA Player.