Arsenalvs.Spurs

The Gunners are sitting in third place in the WSL table, while the visitors are 10 points further back in fifth position.

Match preview

Arsenal will head into the North London derby off the back of three wins in four competitive matches, including victories over Bristol City and Manchester City in the Women's FA Cup and WSL respectively.

Unfortunately for the Gunners, Man City got swift revenge in the Women's League Cup semi-finals, scoring a late winner to end Arsenal's hopes of winning the competition for a third consecutive season.

They put that disappointment behind them to record a routine 2-0 victory in last Sunday's Women's FA Cup clash against second-tier London City Lionesses, with Laia Codina and Stina Blackstenius getting on the scoresheet to set up a quarter-final clash against Liverpool.

Arsenal will now turn their focus back to WSL action, with the Gunners sitting 10 points adrift of leaders Chelsea, three points behind second-placed Man United and two points clear of Man City in fourth position.

The hosts will have the chance to complete a league double over their rivals on Sunday after easing to a 3-0 victory in November's reverse fixture.

Tottenham will head into Sunday's North London derby off the back of an underwhelming run of form which has seen them lose three times across their last four competitive matches.

After losing to West Ham United in the Women's League Cup quarter-finals, Spurs returned to WSL action with a 3-2 away victory over Crystal Palace, before they lost to Everton and Manchester United in the Women's FA Cup and league respectively.

As a result of the cup defeat to the Toffees, Robert Vilahamn's side were not in action last season, giving them a full two-week break to prepare for the derby, with the visitors dreaming of claiming their first-ever WSL away victory against Arsenal.

Their only previous WSL win against Arsenal took place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in December 2023 when they recorded a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to Martha Thomas's 58th-minute effort.

Spurs will be hoping to summon up the sort of defensive display they produced in that memorable win, although that may be easier said than done given the fact they have conceded 26 goals in 13 league matches this season, leaving them with the second-worst defensive record in the top flight.

Arsenal Women Women's Super League form:

W

W

W

W

L

W

Arsenal Women form (all competitions):

Tottenham Hotspur Women Women's Super League form:

L

W

D

W

W

L

Tottenham Hotspur Women form (all competitions):

Team News

The hosts are expected to be without the services of Kim Little, Victoria Pelova and Lina Hurtig due to their respective injury issues.

After making wholesale changes for the recent meeting with London City, Renee Slegers is set to recall a whole host of players for Sunday's fixture, including Daphne van Domselaar, Emily Fox, Leah Williamson, Steph Catley and Alessia Russo.

Winter addition Jenna Nighswonger is set to provide a useful option off the bench after making her Arsenal debut last weekend.

As for their North London rivals, Spurs are unable to call upon the injured trio of Eveliina Summanen, Kit Graham and Ella Morris.

Amy James-Turner is unlikely to return in time for Sunday's derby, while Drew Spence is a doubt after missing the last three matches.

Beth England will continue to offer one of Tottenham's main goal threats, having scored seven times in 13 WSL appearances this season.

Arsenal Women possible starting lineup:

Van Domselaar; Fox, Williamson, Wubben-Moy, Catley; Cooney-Cross, Walti; Mead, Maanum, Caldentey; Russo

Tottenham Hotspur Women possible starting lineup:

Kop; Neville, Hunt, Bartrip, Nilden; Rybrink, Oroz; Raso, Thomas, Naz; England

We say: Arsenal Women 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur Women

Written by

Ben Sully

Previews by email