Big changes are afoot! Renée Slegers is shaking things up for the team's first match of 2026, making a significant five adjustments to the starting lineup. After a victorious 2-0 win against Crystal Palace in December, the team will see some fresh faces.
Stepping into the spotlight are Steph Catley, Kim Little, Mariona Caldentey, Beth Mead, and Alessia Russo. They're replacing Laia Codina, Victoria Pelova, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Caitlin Foord, and Stina Blackstenius. And this is the part most people miss...January's new signing, Smilla Holmberg, will be starting the game from the bench, adding even more anticipation.
Anneke Borbe will remain in goal, supported by a defensive line of Emily Fox, Leah Williamson, Catley, and Katie McCabe. In the midfield, Frida Maanum keeps her position, as does Olivia Smith on the wing.
Here's a breakdown of the starting lineups:
Arsenal XI: Borbe, Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe, Mariona, Little (C), Maanum, Mead, Russo, Smith.
Substitutes for Arsenal: Williams, Holmberg, Wubben-Moy, Codina, Hinds, Pelova, Harwood, Foord, Blackstenius.
Manchester United XI: Tullis-Joyce, Sandberg, Le Tissier (C), Park, Malard, Terland, Rolfo, Riviere, Janssen, Zigiotto, Miyazawa.
Substitutes for Manchester United: Rendell, Middleton-Patel, Lundkvist, Awujo, Naalsund, Turner, Schuller, Griffiths, Drury.
What do you think of these changes? Do you agree with Slegers' choices? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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