When Olivia Smith, a 20‑year‑old Canadian forward for Arsenal Women, lined up alongside veteran Australian wing‑forward Caitlin Foord, Arsenal’s manager Jonas Eidevall unveiled a bold starting eleven for the Women's Super League showdown at Meadow Park on Saturday.
Lineup highlights
The first‑team sheet features Smith making her first start since joining from Sporting CP in July 2023. Her pace down the right flank should complement Foord’s experience – the 29‑year‑old who arrived from Sydney FC in January 2020 and has featured in two FIFA Women’s World Cups and three Olympic Games.
Alongside them, captain Kim Little will marshal the midfield, while goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger guards the net. The defence remains unchanged from the previous win over Manchester United, with Lia Wälti and Katie McCabe anchoring the back line.
Jonas Eidevall’s tactical plan
Swedish coach Eidevall told reporters after training that the Gunners intend to "press high, keep the ball in the final third and use the width that Smith offers." He added that Foord’s ability to drift inside will open space for the overlapping full‑back Leah Williamson to deliver crosses.
"It’s about balance," Eidevall said. "We have the talent to dominate possession, but we also need to be ruthless in front of goal. Smith’s energy and Foord’s know‑how give us that edge."
Implications for the WSL race
Arsenal sit third in the league with 27 points after 12 matches, just two points behind leaders Chelsea and one behind second‑placed Manchester City. A victory would lift them to 30 points, tightening the top‑four battle as the season heads into its decisive phase.
Brighton & Hove Albion Women, managed by Hope Powell, sit eighth with 12 points. They need a win to keep pace with fellow mid‑table rivals West Ham United and Leicester City.
- Arsenal: 27 points, goal difference +15
- Chelsea: 29 points, goal difference +18
- Manchester City: 28 points, goal difference +16
- Brighton: 12 points, goal difference –4
The clash is more than three points; it’s a statement of intent. A strong performance could see Arsenal regain momentum after a 1‑1 draw at home to Manchester United last week.
Brighton & Hove Albion’s challenge
Brighton’s squad, featuring English international forward Lee Andrews and rising star Ellie Rouse, will rely on a compact defensive shape. Coach Powell emphasized the need to “stay disciplined, hit on the counter and make the most of set‑pieces.”
She added, "We know Arsenal’s quality, but football is unpredictable. If we keep the pressure on their back line, we can create the openings we need."
Looking ahead: Arsenal’s season outlook
Beyond the Brighton game, Arsenal will juggle a busy calendar that includes the FA Women’s Cup quarter‑final against Liverpool and a potential UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage if they finish in the top two. The squad’s depth was tested last season, and Eidevall’s rotation policy will be crucial.
Smith’s start is a litmus test for her integration. In her debut last month, she logged 55 minutes against Reading and recorded a shot on target. "I feel ready," Smith said in a pre‑match interview. "Playing alongside Caitlin pushes me to raise my game every minute."
Foord, who has scored 12 league goals for Arsenal, remained upbeat: "We know what we’re capable of. It’s about translating that into results, especially against a side that never gives up."
Key facts
- Match: Arsenal Women vs Brighton & Hove Albion Women – WSL, Saturday 14:00 BST
- Venue: Meadow Park, Boreham Wood
- Starters: Olivia Smith (forward) and Caitlin Foord (winger)
- Current league position: Arsenal 3rd (27 pts), Brighton 8th (12 pts)
- Manager: Jonas Eidevall (Arsenal) vs Hope Powell (Brighton)
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Olivia Smith’s inclusion affect Arsenal’s attack?
Smith adds fresh pace and a direct running style that complements Foord’s ability to cut inside. In her two previous appearances she created three clear‑cut chances, so the Gunners expect her to stretch Brighton’s defence and open space for midfield runners.
What does this fixture mean for the WSL title race?
A win would lift Arsenal to 30 points, narrowing the gap to Chelsea and Manchester City to just two points. It could also boost morale ahead of the congested February schedule, where the Gunners face both cup and European commitments.
Can Brighton realistically upset Arsenal at Meadow Park?
Brighton have shown they can compete with top sides, especially on the counter‑attack. Their disciplined defensive shape and set‑piece threat mean they could snatch a point or even a win if Arsenal’s high press leaves gaps.
What are the expectations for Jonas Eidevall’s tactical approach?
Eidevall is expected to employ a high‑pressing system that forces Brighton back into their half, using the width of Smith and Foord to create overloads on the flanks. He will likely keep a back‑four to maintain defensive solidity while the midfield pushes forward.
How does this match fit into Arsenal’s broader season objectives?
Beyond the league points, the game serves as a litmus test for squad depth ahead of the FA Cup and a potential Champions League group stage. Strong performances from newer signings like Smith could secure them regular minutes in the crucial second half of the season.
Starting Olivia Smith alongside Caitlin Foord is a solid move 👍. Her speed will stretch Brighton’s back line and give us more width 🚀. I can already picture her making those diagonal runs and forcing the defence to split. Keep the pressure high and let the wings do the work, lads! Let’s get those three points 💪.