Arsenal Women will play host to their local rival Tottenham Hotspur Ladies on Wednesday, and the stakes could not be higher for the hosts.
The Gunners ideally need at least a point to take the title race to the final game of the season, while a Spurs win would secure Chelsea their third consecutive Women's Super League title.
Match preview
© Reuters
Arsenal currently trail league leaders Chelsea by four points, but Wednesday's contest represents the game in hand that the Gunners possess over the defending champions.
A victory in the North London derby would reduce the gap to just a single point, while a draw would mean that the Gunners could only win the league title on goal difference.
Jonas Eidevall's side are in fine form after avoiding defeat in their last 10 league matches, and they have the chance to clinch a seventh consecutive WSL victory on Wednesday.
On Sunday, the Gunners hammered Aston Villa 7-0, with the rout beginning with a Vivianne Miedema brace before Rachel Corsie put the ball into her own net, and a comprehensive win was wrapped up thanks to strikes from Beth Mead, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Stina Blackstenius and Nikita Parris.
The Gunners will be looking to maintain their unbeaten home league record on Wednesday as they bid to claim North London bragging rights.
© Reuters
Spurs, meanwhile, currently sit in fifth place after falling away from the European places, and they will be aiming to end a six-game unbeaten run on Wednesday.
They were denied victory at the weekend against Everton after Asmita Ale and Josie Green scored either side of a Danielle Turner effort, but the Toffees equalised in stoppage time through Megan Finnigan, who ensured that the spoils were shared.
Despite their form dipping as the campaign draws to a close, Tottenham are guaranteed to achieve their best-ever finish in the WSL.
Although there may not be too much to play for with regards to league position, Wednesday's visitors will be motivated to get one over their local rivals.
Spurs were just minutes away from beating Arsenal in the reverse fixture before Miedema equalised in stoppage time, but they can take the confidence gained from that performance into Wednesday's contest.
- W
- W
- W
- W
- W
- W
- D
- L
- W
- L
- W
- W
- D
- L
- L
- L
- L
- D
Team News
© Reuters
Jordan Nobbs could miss out for the hosts after being forced off against Aston Villa, while Rafaelle is also a doubt for Wednesday's contest.
Although she came off the bench to score at the weekend, Blackstenius may have to settle for a place among the substitutes.
With a positive result needed, Eidevall may be tempted to keep changes to a minimum, although Manuela Zinsberger is expected to return between the posts.
As for the visitors, they are expected to be without the services of Ria Percival and Kit Graham due to injury issues.
Despite scoring as a second-half substitute against Everton, Green is expected to be on the bench on Wednesday.
Skinner could make at least one change for the North London derby, with Jessica Naz in contention to start against Arsenal.
Arsenal Women possible starting lineup:
Zinsberger; Maritz, Williamson, Wubben-Moy, Catley; Little, Walti, McCabe; Mead, Foord, Miedema
Tottenham Hotspur Ladies possible starting lineup:
Spencer; Bartrip, Zadorsky, Harrop; Neville, Summanen, Ayane, Clemaron, Ale; Williams, Naz
We say: Arsenal Women 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur Ladies
Although the reverse fixture ended in a draw, we think that Arsenal will continue their fine run of form to beat their local rivals, who have tailed off as the season nears its conclusion.
