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North London derby and City vs Chelsea are perfect way to watch the best this weekend

talksport.com, 12 November 2021, 16:22
There may be no Premier League football this weekend, but you can still watch the best players in the world in action.

Man City are facing Chelsea and there is a massive north London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham in the Women's Super League.

In recent seasons, women's football has continuously evolved and seen star players break numerous records just like their male counterparts.

The increased media coverage and commercial investment has helped bridge the gap between the men's and women's games, with a 'landmark' broadcasting deal with Sky and the BBC helping attract bigger audiences.

The Football Association has also launched a three-year strategy that includes getting more supporters attending WSL matches and they are targeting an average crowd of 6,000 fans.

And, this weekend, two mouth-watering ties are set to give us a gigantic few days of action.

Tottenham v Arsenal: Saturday, November 13

Kick-off: 1:30pm

Location: The Hive Stadium

Listen: talkSPORT 2 commentary with ex-England striker Lianne Sanderson

The north London Derby had never played in the women's game until Spurs were professionalised two seasons ago.

Already, though, the Gunners are, perhaps understandably, dominating their foes.

Arsenal have a 100 per cent record against Spurs in the Women's Super League.

The first WSL encounter between the two sides was a historic moment with a record attendance of 38,262 fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Gunners ran out eventual 2-0 winners, thanks to second-half goals from Kim Little and Vivianne Miedema.

This season, Arsenal have made a glittering start to life under new manager Jonas Eidevall's stewardship, winning all six of their games.

But Tottenham, who fought off the threat of relegation last season, have started well too.

They won their opening four league games, including a memorable win over Man City, and now have 13 points out of a possible 18.

Their players will be desperate to prove a point against the Gunners and ensure there isn't another loss to their arch rivals.

Man City v Chelsea: Sunday, November 14

Kick off: 3pm

Location: Academy Stadium

Listen: talkSPORT 2 commentary with ex-Leeds forward Lucy Ward

Chelsea and Man City are giants of the women's game and have been completing with each other for domestic league and cups every season, led by some of the most talented superstars in the world.

They locked horns in last season's enthralling title race which went down to the last game of the season, with Emma Hayes' Blues becoming champions.

City have got off to terrible start to the the new campaign though, losing their first three games.

Gareth Taylor's side have endured a number of injuries with key players such as Ellie Roebuck, Lucy Bronze and Chloe Kelly all forced to miss games.

And Chelsea, who are currently second in the WSL, know that a victory will be vital as they look to pile pressure on Eidevall's Arsenal at the top of the table.

Who to watch out for…

Vivianne Miedema (Arsenal)

Miedema is renowned as one of the best strikers in the women's game and is the all-time leading goalscorer in WSL history, with 64 goals.

She has scored 10 goals in all competitions already, but Miedema hasn't scored in her last three league appearances, somewhat of a drought for the Dutch ace.

Her Arsenal teammates have stepped up, though, and strikes from Beth Mead, Kim Little and Katie McCabe are propelling them to a title tilt.

We don't expect Miedema to go much longer without a goal and Spurs might be fearing her on Saturday.

Kit Graham (Tottenham Hotspur)

Graham joined the Lilywhites in the summer of 2019 from Charlton Athletic, where she scored over 200 goals for the club whilst playing in the lower divisions.

Both Graham and Spurs have risen through the football pyramid to reach the WSL, but she faced a difficult first campaign with the club, scoring just four goals in 19 appearances.

She's well-known for her technical ability and she loves to commit defenders.

Graham scored the winner in the opening day win over Birmingham and will be hoping to net more, especially with Arsenal up next.

Sam Kerr (Chelsea)

The Australian centre-forward enjoyed her most prolific season to date as she netted 21 WSL goals, and 29 in all competitions.

That haul contributed to league and Continental Cup success for the Blues under manager Emma Hayes.

She formed one of the most formidable strike partnerships seen in the women's game with teammate Fran Kirby, with the pair compared to Manchester United legends Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole.

Kerr's key attributes are her pace, athleticism and instincts, and she has got every chance of battling Miedema for the Golden Boot.

Ellen White (Manchester City)

White is playing in her third season with City and has been a valuable team player.

The England international striker contributed 10 WSL goals to the cause last season as City fell just short in their bid to win the title.

She has been used as an effective forward who is able to link play and creating acres of space for her teammates, while terrorising defenders with her fine positioning and finishing ability.

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