Arsenal Women have confirmed their starting XI for Sunday’s Women’s Super League opener against Brighton at Broadfield Stadium, with Renée Slegers handing starts to several summer arrivals.
Misa Rodríguez starts in goal, while Ona Batlle, Georgia Stanway and Lisa Baum are also included from the beginning.
Olivia Smith gets the nod in attack alongside Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo as Arsenal begin a season in which expectations have risen considerably following a major summer rebuild.
Our full Brighton Women vs Arsenal Women preview looked at the selection decisions facing Slegers ahead of the opening weekend.
Arsenal Women starting XI vs Brighton
Misa; Fox, Williamson, Catley, Batlle; Little, Stanway; Mariona, Baum, Smith; Russo.
Substitutes: Borbe, Wubben-Moy, Hinds, Holmberg, Cooney-Cross, Maanum, Kelly, Foord, Blackstenius.
Kim Little captains the side.
Steph Catley partners Leah Williamson in central defence, with Emily Fox and Batlle operating as the full-backs.
Stanway starts in midfield alongside Little, while Baum is given an attacking role behind Russo.
Smith’s inclusion is particularly notable after an impressive pre-season.
Our earlier analysis of Smith’s growing Arsenal selection claim argued that she had made herself increasingly difficult to leave out of the opening league game.
Slegers has now rewarded that form.
De Almeida misses Arsenal matchday squad
There is no place in the 20-player squad for deadline-day arrival Élisa De Almeida.
Arsenal completed the France international’s permanent move from Paris Saint-Germain on Thursday, but Sunday’s opener has evidently arrived too soon for her involvement.
Our report on why Arsenal moved for De Almeida before the deadline explained the importance of adding another experienced defender while Katie Reid continues her ACL recovery.
Arsenal begin the afternoon knowing Chelsea have already dropped points after being held by Aston Villa on Saturday.
We looked at why that result gives Slegers’ side an early opportunity in the WSL title race.
Kick-off at Broadfield Stadium is 12pm BST.
Supporters can follow Arsenal’s schedule throughout the season via our permanent fixtures and results hub.
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