Arsenal Women begin their Champions League campaign against HB Køge on Tuesday night with Renée Slegers facing a genuine selection dilemma.
The Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester United on Saturday and have another major WSL fixture against Chelsea waiting at the weekend.
That schedule makes rotation increasingly likely.
Slegers has already indicated that freshness will be important against the Danish champions, while several players who started on the bench against United are pushing for opportunities.
Our Arsenal Women vs HB Køge TV and live stream guide contains the full broadcast details ahead of Tuesday’s European opener.
Slegers hints at Arsenal Women changes
Speaking ahead of the match, Slegers made it clear that squad rotation is under consideration.
The Arsenal head coach told Arseblog News that the size of her squad was built specifically to handle short turnarounds.
She added that Arsenal need “freshness” against HB Køge and that players who have not started recently deserve opportunities.
That creates a strong case for changes across defence, midfield and attack.
Arsenal started against Manchester United with Misa Rodríguez behind Emily Fox, Leah Williamson, Steph Catley and Ona Batlle.
Georgia Stanway, Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo formed the midfield, with Lisa Baum, Olivia Smith and Stina Blackstenius in attack.
Several of those players could now be rested ahead of Chelsea.
Smilla Holmberg pushing for first start
The most obvious change comes at right-back.
Smilla Holmberg came off the bench against Manchester United and scored Arsenal’s stoppage-time equaliser.
Her direct running and crossing immediately improved Arsenal’s threat down the right.
Holmberg has also spoken about the confidence gained from completing her first full pre-season with the club, as explored in our latest Smilla Holmberg feature.
After that impact, she has a strong case to start against HB Køge.
Lotte Wubben-Moy could also return in central defence, allowing Leah Williamson to be protected ahead of Sunday’s trip to Chelsea.
Steph Catley can partner Wubben-Moy, with Ona Batlle retaining her place on the left.
Kim Little could return to midfield
Arsenal also have room to freshen up centrally.
Kim Little started Saturday on the bench and appears an obvious candidate to return.
Kyra Cooney-Cross could provide additional control alongside her, while Geraldine Reuteler offers another option further forward.
That would allow Slegers to rest both Stanway and Mariona after their recent workload.
The midfield has been central to Arsenal’s ability to dominate territory this season, but the bigger issue has been turning possession into clear chances.
Our analysis of Arsenal Women’s attacking problems explains why solving that final-third issue remains the priority against another opponent expected to defend deep.
Chloe Kelly and Caitlin Foord in line for starts
The front line could see the biggest changes.
Chloe Kelly, Caitlin Foord and Selina Cerci were all substitutes against Manchester United.
Slegers’ comments about giving opportunities to players outside the starting XI make all three realistic candidates.
Kelly provides width and delivery from the right, while Foord offers direct running from the opposite flank.
Cerci could lead the line and give both Blackstenius and Russo a rest.
Arsenal have already explored several possible attacking adjustments for this fixture in our three changes Slegers should consider against HB Køge.
Arsenal Women predicted XI vs HB Køge
Misa Rodríguez
Smilla Holmberg – Lotte Wubben-Moy – Steph Catley – Ona Batlle
Kim Little – Kyra Cooney-Cross – Geraldine Reuteler
Chloe Kelly – Selina Cerci – Caitlin Foord
Slegers could easily retain more of Saturday’s starters, particularly with Arsenal determined to begin their Champions League campaign strongly.
However, her comments about freshness and squad depth suggest Tuesday represents an ideal opportunity to rotate.
Holmberg, Little, Kelly and Foord are among the players with the strongest cases to come into the side.
Whatever XI Slegers selects, Arsenal need a sharper attacking performance after scoring only twice in their opening three WSL matches.
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