Arsenal Women face a key UEFA Women’s Champions League test when they host SL Benfica at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening. The Gunners, who have taken four points from their opening two group games, are looking to build momentum after a mixed start to the domestic season.
Their last outing was a 2-1 victory over Tottenham on Saturday 24 October, with goals from Georgia Stanway and a penalty from Alessia Russo securing the three points. That win followed a run of two draws and two defeats, leaving them ten points behind leaders Chelsea. Their recent form over the last five games stands at one win, two draws and two losses, including a 1-1 draw with Birmingham City on Saturday 17 October and a 4-2 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday 4 October. The team has scored seven goals and conceded eight in the league this season.
Wednesday’s match is the third of the new league phase, where the top four teams progress directly to the quarter-finals. Arsenal opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over HB Køge before a 2-2 draw with Paris FC. They will be without forward Mariona Caldentey due to injury, while summer arrival Selina Cerci is also unavailable.
Benfica arrive in London tenth in their domestic league and off the back of a 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich on Matchday 2. The Portuguese side did, however, secure a notable victory over Juventus earlier in the competition.
The Gunners’ focus will quickly return to league duty after this European fixture. They host Aston Villa, who are eighth in the table, at Meadow Park on Sunday 1 November. That match presents an opportunity to improve their league standing of sixth place.
