Olivia Smith could return to Arsenal’s starting line-up against Paris FC as Renée Slegers searches for a sharper attack without Chloe Kelly available.
Our Arsenal Women predicted XI vs Paris FC includes one change from the team that lost at Chelsea, with Smith coming in for Georgia Stanway and Mariona Caldentey moving into a central attacking role.
That is our selection forecast, rather than confirmed team news.
Arsenal visit Stade Jean Bouin on Wednesday for their second Champions League league-phase fixture. Our Paris FC television and kick-off guide has the details for supporters following from home.
Kelly absence reduces Slegers’ attacking options
Slegers confirmed on Tuesday that Kelly was unavailable while managing a hamstring issue, according to VAVEL’s report from her press conference.
Kelly was a substitute at Chelsea, so her absence does not force a change to Sunday’s starting XI. It does remove an option for changing the game from the bench.
Smith offers an alternative from the start.
We would use her on the left, retain Lisa Baum on the right and place Mariona behind Alessia Russo. That would give Arsenal two wide attackers around a central combination capable of exchanging positions.
The aim would be to create more forward running around Russo while keeping Mariona close enough to connect midfield with the attack.
Little and Cooney-Cross get our midfield nod
Our forecast pairs Kim Little with Kyra Cooney-Cross, leaving Stanway among the alternatives.
That is a balance decision rather than a suggestion that Slegers has ruled out the England midfielder.
Little and Mariona both hit the woodwork during Arsenal’s strong opening at Stamford Bridge, as detailed in Chelsea’s official match report.
There is therefore a case for adjusting the supporting cast while retaining players who helped create those openings.
Our Arsenal ratings from the Chelsea defeat also highlighted Little’s influence.
Arsenal Women predicted XI vs Paris FC
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Anneke Borbe.
Defenders: Emily Fox, Leah Williamson, Steph Catley, Ona Batlle.
Midfielders: Kim Little, Kyra Cooney-Cross.
Attacking midfielders: Lisa Baum, Mariona Caldentey, Olivia Smith.
Striker: Alessia Russo.
We predict continuity across the goalkeeper and back four, with the principal adjustment coming further forward.
Caitlin Foord, Stina Blackstenius and Selina Cerci provide alternative attacking routes if Slegers prefers a different combination.
Smith’s inclusion would be the boldest part of this selection. Arsenal need greater penetration, and giving her a starting opportunity would let Slegers test a different attacking balance without changing the whole team.
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