Arsenal will be looking to bounce back from the disappointing showing in their opening fixture as they host Valerenga in a UEFA Women’s Champions League fixture. Although the English side has been a bit off colour lately, they are still expected to be too strong for their Norwegian visitors.
It has been a difficult start to the season for Arsenal, who have struggled to find their rhythm so far. They head into Wednesday’s clash off the back of two straight defeats, losing 5-2 to Bayern Munich in their previous Champions League fixture before falling 2-1 to Chelsea in a domestic clash last weekend.
A major worry for manager Jonas Eidevall is the team’s defending as Arsenal have conceded seven goals in the last two matches. However, they maintain a solid home record in the Champions League having won their last three fixtures at Emirates Stadium.
Valerenga were also beaten last time out in the Champions League as they suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Juventus. They conceded midway through the first half and failed to find a way back despite seeing plenty of possession and creating scoring opportunities.
While it was disappointing not to have claimed a win last time out, manager Nils Lexerod will consider that result a mere bleep. Valerenga have won 12 of their last 13 matches across all competitions and travel to the Emirates off the back of a 3-0 victory over Lyn.
How the bookies view it: Smooth sailing for Arsenal
Arsenal are considered overwhelming favourites among the bookies and priced at 1/12 by bet365 to claim the win. A victory for Valerenga is valued at 20/1 while a draw is set at odds of 9/1.
Head to head: No previous meetings
This will be the first ever meeting between Arsenal and Valerenga.
Players to watch: Attacks to shine
Arsenal have quality in attack with Caitlin Foord and Beth Mead catching the eye this season. Both ladies can combine to ensure the hosts produce over 2.5 goals on Wednesday at 8/15 with bet365.
With Arsenal looking unconvincing at the back lately, Valerenga will look to capitalise. Karina Sævik has 11 goals this season and could combine with Ronja Arnesen to produce over 0.5 goals for the hosts at 7/4 with bet365.
Probable line-ups
Alessia Russo should lead the line for Arsenal once again, with Mead and Foord providing support. Kim Little is expected to feature in midfield while Leah Williamson should continue at the back.
Thea Bjelde went off early in the first half at the weekend and is likely to miss Wednesday's clash. Sævik is expected to lead the line once again while Michaela Kovacs should continue in defence.
Arsenal: Van Domselaar, McCabe, Williamson, Wubben-Moy, Fox, Little, Caldentey, Foord, Blackstenius, Mead, Russo
Valerenga: Enblom, Thomsen, Horte, Kovacs, Olsen, Heidar-sdottir, Tvedten, Godo, Vickius, Arnesen, Sævik
Anything else catch the eye?
Arsenal saw over 3.5 goals in their previous Champions League fixture and could be set for a similar outcome at 10/11 with bet365. Both teams could also be backed to score at 2/1 with bet365.
The hosts are likely to dominate on Wednesday and could be backed in the -3 handicap market at 7/4 with bet365.
This Women's UEFA Champions League match between Arsenal W and Valerenga W will be played on Oct 16, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Arsenal W vs Valerenga W prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
