West Ham Match Preview: Four Key Team Changes
Arsenal made four changes to their starting line-up for today’s Women’s Super League meeting with West Ham United. Manager Renée Slegers adjusted personnel due to injury, illness and squad rotation. The adjustments reflect the club’s busy run of fixtures before the next international break.
Key team changes and reasons
Frida Maanum missed the matchday squad with illness. Leah Williamson was absent because of an injury. Both were replaced in the XI.
Smilla Holmberg and Taylor Hinds were drafted in as rotated full-backs. The decision came as Slegers spread minutes across the squad.
Who came in
- Stina Blackstenius replaced Frida Maanum.
- Laia Codina came in for Leah Williamson.
- Smilla Holmberg started in place of Emily Fox.
- Taylor Hinds began instead of Katie McCabe.
Team shape and retained players
Anneke Borbe kept her place between the posts. Lotte Wubben-Moy remained in the back four after the recent 2-0 victory over London City.
Alessia Russo moved back into midfield. She partnered Mariona Caldentey and captain Kim Little in the middle.
Attacking setup
Olivia Smith and Chloe Kelly started on the wings. Stina Blackstenius led the line as the central forward.
Confirmed line-up and substitutes
The starting eleven read as follows.
- Borbe; Holmberg, Wubben-Moy, Codina, Hinds; Little (c), Mariona, Russo; Smith, Kelly, Blackstenius.
Available substitutes included Votikova, van Domselaar, Fox, Mead, McCabe, Pelova and Harwood.
Broadcast information
Fans can follow live coverage via Filmogaz.com and the club app. Coverage begins at 11.55pm (UK).
This match preview notes the four key team changes Slegers made ahead of kick-off. Expect an emphasis on squad rotation as the season intensifies.
