Manchester City vs Arsenal: Preview, predictions and lineups | OneFootball

Arsenal are back in Women’s Super League (WSL) action this weekend with a trip to face Manchester City at the Joie Stadium.

Last time out, Renee Slegers’ side were narrowly beaten by league leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge after Kim Little conceded a late penalty, which was expertly converted by Guro Reiten. The result meant Chelsea extended their lead at the top of the standings and are now the firm favourites to lift the trophy in May.

That being said, this weekend Arsenal have an opportunity to increase their chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League with a win against City. Manchester United are now second in the table, followed by City and Arsenal.

Here, 90min have previewed the big game in the WSL this weekend as the Gunners make the trip up north…

Manchester City vs Arsenal H2H record

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Manchester City team news

Lauren Hemp is still sidelined after undergoing knee surgery in September / Matt McNulty/GettyImages

Gareth Taylor’s side have suffered a number of injuries to key players this season which undoubtedly contributed to their dip in form. City remain without Alex Greenwood and Lauren Hemp, who suffered the more serious injuries towards the end of last year.

Khadija Shaw was back in the squad to face Aston Villa last weekend and came on as a second half substitute. Given her recent return to fitness and Vivianne Miedema’s goal scoring form, Taylor may look to use the Jamaica international from the bench again in a bid to ease her back in.

January signing Kerolin made her City debut last week against Aston Villa as she replaced Aoba Fujino in the second half. It remains to be seen whether the manager deems the Brazilian ready to start, or whether she’ll be a threat from the bench. Chloe Kelly is still absent amidst the uncertainty around her future, although Taylor stated it was due to injury as opposed to an imminent move.

Khiara Keating suffered a blow in the League Cup quarter-final win over Manchester United last week and wasn't between the sticks against Villa. Japan international Ayaka Yamashita was called upon and that could be the case again this weekend if Keating isn't quite ready.

Manchester City predicted lineup vs Arsenal

Manchester City predicted lineup vs Arsenal (4-3-3): Yamashita; Casparij, Aleixandri, Knaak, Ouahabi; Hasegawa, Roord, Park; Fowler, Miedema, Fujino

Arsenal team news

Katie McCabe will be suspended for the weekend's game / Gaspafotos/MB Media/GettyImages

The big blow for Arsenal this weekend is they will be without defender Katie McCabe following her sending off at Chelsea. There was some confusion over whether it was a straight red card or two yellow cards, but it has since been confirmed she will serve a two-match suspension due to the use of foul and abusive language.

Caitlin Foord was withdrawn early from the game against Chelsea and Slegers confirmed post-match this was due to injury. It remains to be seen whether that impacts her availability this weekend.

Arsenal are still without long-term absentees Victoria Pelova and Amanda Ilestedt, while Lina Hurtig is also sidelined.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Van Domselaar, Fox, Williamson, Wubben-Moy, Catley; Little, Cooney-Cross; Mead, Caldentey, Maanum; Russo

Manchester City vs Arsenal score prediction

Arsenal will feel wounded after last week’s defeat, especially given the manner in which they lost the game. It is for that reason they will be fired up and determined to put things right on Sunday.

City, on the other hand, have had a mixed bag of form in recent times, but did get the win over Aston Villa last week. It will be a tight, nervy game but Arsenal should just about come out on top.