Arsenal manager Renée Slegers has announced a significant shake-up to the team’s starting lineup for their UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final match against Lyon.
Six changes have been made to the XI that will take to the pitch at home.
Arsenal’s New Lineup
The upcoming match marks Arsenal’s return to action following a 2-0 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion in the quarter-finals of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup earlier in April.
Several players have been brought into the starting lineup, including Emily Fox, Leah Williamson, Katie McCabe, Olivia Smith, Caitlin Foord, and Alessia Russo.
These players replace Smilla Holmberg, Laia Codina, Taylor Hinds, Beth Mead, Chloe Kelly, and Frida Maanum respectively.
Returning Players and Mainstays
Daphne van Domselaar will remain in goal for Arsenal. Lotte Wubben-Moy also keeps her place in defence.
Midfielders Mariona Caldentey and Kim Little will retain their positions, with Little continuing as captain. Stina Blackstenius also remains up top.
Arsenal and Lyon Starting XIs
The confirmed Arsenal XI is as follows: Van Domselaar, Fox, Williamson, Wubben-Moy, McCabe, Little (C), Mariona, Russo, Smith, Foord, Blackstenius.
The substitutes bench includes Borbe, Votikova, Codina, Hinds, Holmberg, Harwood, Pelova, and Maanum.
Lyon’s starting XI is: Endler, Lawrence, Renard (C), Engen, Svava, Heaps, Shrader, Yohannes, Diani, Hegerberg, Brand.
Lyon’s substitutes are: Belhadj, Bacha, Junttila Nelhage, Dumornay, Becho, Katoto, Egurrola, Fathallah, Sombath, Chawinga, Benyahia, Tarciane.
Looking Ahead
Arsenal are looking to defend their trophy. The UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final at home to Lyon follows a 2-0 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion in the quarter-finals of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup in early April.