WSL 25/26 | United v Arsenal - 14:50 Sun 21 Sept

jojojo

JoJoJoJoJoJoJo
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We've both won our opening matches. We lead them by on GD by one goal. Russo is on terrific form, even if it's not always from the goals list. Terland is on terrific form for us, though most of her goals have been in the WCL.

That midweek WCL match of ours could be decisive of course. We worked hard on Thursday night. With Millie Turner out, seeing Jayde Rivière limp off was extra worrying.

Match is live on the BBC
 
It will be tough, and it highlights our lack of depth with Turner out, and very probably Riviere too. Who will start at RB? Gabby George? Naalsund covered there against Brann, but surely she won't start there. Maybe I'm fretting over nothing, and Jayde is fine. I hope so, but the fact remains that we need more players.
 
My first visit to LSV and it should be a cracker. No idea about car parking or anything though!
 
jojojo said:
Terland is on terrific form for us, though most of her goals have been in the WCL.
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Yes, but don't forget that Malard leads the league with 4 goals in two matches!

That said, tomorrow poses a daunting challenge: facing the WCL champs, on three days rest, after playing 8 matches in 4 weeks -- all with a very thin bench. I think our team looks good enough to really test Arsenal under ideal conditions, but these are certainly not ideal conditions.

The first question Skinner was asked at his presser was about the lack of depth while juggling two leagues, and his answer was that they were going to have to use "some different strategies" -- noting specifically that we clearly won't be able to high-press for 90 minutes. (He went on to say that Arsenal won't be able to do that for 90 minutes either, but I think he's wrong about that given Arsenal's depth.) I suspect that we will use the high press only sparingly, and otherwise will sit in a medium- to low block in hopes of keeping it close until the final 10-15 minutes -- or even to the very end, depending on what kind of legs players have left by that point. Maybe one of those games where you bring in Rachel Williams for a late winner?
 
EricsCollarUp said:
My first visit to LSV and it should be a cracker. No idea about car parking or anything though!
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Park in town and walk down. You'll be there all night trying to get out if you park at LSV. I'll see you there, be sure to pop into the Whistling Wren before kick off!
 
AmarilloMike said:
Park in town and walk down. You'll be there all night trying to get out if you park at LSV. I'll see you there, be sure to pop into the Whistling Wren before kick off!
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Thanks! Could you recommend anywhere to aim for in the town centre with regards to parking? I don't know Leigh too well! Cheers. I'm in the terrace, so hope I get a decent spot.
 
Is this on anywhere? Thought it would be considering Brighton v West Ham is
 
EricsCollarUp said:
Thanks! Could you recommend anywhere to aim for in the town centre with regards to parking? I don't know Leigh too well! Cheers. I'm in the terrace, so hope I get a decent spot.
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Probably too late, but there are usually signposts around for match day parking. I'll see you in the North Stand, last season's 3rd kit with Williams on the back!!
 
Really excited for this game, but I fear the result will come down to the strength of the bench. Terland is one hell of a player to bring off the bench mind.
 
It was always going to be a tough one coming so close behind our CL qualifiers. Jayde Rivière's absence is going to make it even tougher. We've been lucky to get this far, but the injuries and the lack of squad depth were always bound to catch up. It's not just that it means a personnel change, the lack of a direct change means that inevitably it'll impact how we can play.
 
Sandberg or Rolfo at RB? Either way, I like the look of this side. We can win this!

Edit: Actually, it could be Bizet at RB.
 
Amazing save by PTJ after Smith is given way too much space on the edge of the box.
 
That was a clear cut free kick to United as Smith just destroyed Sandberg, no idea what the ref and linesmen was doing!
 
We have to stop fecking around at the back with small passes, this is not the team to lose the ball to in these areas. If we can not solve their we have to play long balls and play it safe!
 
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The half time whistle comes as a relief, what can we do in the 2nd half?

I am not sure, but Arsenal usually destroys teams the last 20 minutes when the defending team gets tired.

We just to have to win some duels when going forward as well, its like Arsenal are dominating us physically as well!
 
Started pretty well but keep inviting them onto us with carelessness in possession, and can barely get the ball to our forwards at the moment.
 
Ubik said:
Started pretty well but keep inviting them onto us with carelessness in possession, and can barely get the ball to our forwards at the moment.
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Its either hoof the ball towards Malard or keep trying to play through Arsenals high press. With the quality they have its a tough choice since want to try and play and not just play long balls. But facing Arsenal it might be wise to just accept they are better than us playing that kind of football! I am not sure what to do about it. Hopefully Skinner has some kind of plan. If we could get a draw in this game it would be a steal, but its going to be very difficult.
 
I'm happy with that first half. We are playing a totally different game due to our mid-week exertions. The deliberate lack of a high press is allowing Arsenal to have more possession and we are conserving a bit of energy.

Russo has not had a sniff, and nor has Blackstenius. Sandberg has done so well against Smith. No right-back? All is good - Bizet can do that.

I think we are gearing up to a dynamic and energetic last 30 minutes from United, with Rolfo off, Malard to the left, Terland up front and more attacking intent.
 
Ref is poor.
Subs needed. Tired players out there.
Terland on for me. She will cause more trouble for the Arsenal defence and Malard is getting no decisions from this ref today.
 
Well rested Arsenal making subs before us, the usual Skinner strategy :D

Lots of tired brains and bodies in United jerseys, please act Skinner!
 
Does Terland have a knock?

Put in Naalsund to defend with fresh legs. Use the players on the bench.
 
Warmups starts in minute 73 for 1 player, haha. And we played 3 days ago and its still the same plat the same players til they can stand up straight tactics :D
 
Williams, Naalsund, George and Terland should all come on ASAP!

Williams was a beast last season when she came on late vs Arsenal.
 
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