Match preview

UWCL Preview: Arsenal Women v Juventus

UWCL Preview v Juventus

Tonight, we're back in Champions League action once more as we host Juventus at Emirates Stadium - less than two weeks after we last faced the Italian champions. 

Now we've played all of our Group C opponents at least once, it's time for the return legs. The scoreline could not separate the two sides in Turin last time around and our Gunners will be hoping to use our home advantage to secure a better result. Tickets for tonight's action are still available and will be sold until half-time. 

Last time around

So little time has passed since we last met Juventus that Jonas Eidevall remarked in his press conference that "I see this as a really long half-time break." In that away leg at the Allianz Stadium, Vivianne Miedema's headed equaliser cancelled out her national teammate Lineth Beerensteyn's goal for the hosts.

Our dominance in possession and attacking chances wasn't enough on the night to record a win, and Eidevall and co will be aiming for a more clinical display across the pitch when we meet Juventus again tonight. 

Since we last met

Juventus against Inter Milan

Our Gunners managed to bounce back from the draw with victory over Everton on Saturday afternoon - an important three points to keep pace with our rivals Chelsea and Manchester United in the WSL.

Meanwhile, Juventus have played two Serie A fixtures since. Joe Montemurro's side were held to a 1-1 draw by Como but they managed to put 2 goals past Internazionale unanswered on Saturday. They now trail league leaders Roma by six points. 

What the managers say

Jonas Eidevall in training

Eidevall on Juventus: "I expect a competitive game. I always think it's very interesting when you're playing a European team with this little time in between the games because now the tactical component of what the teams learned from the first game will really play a big part - in set pieces and in open play situations. I see this as a really long half-time break. So let's hope that we have used this to our best advantage."

Montemurro on us: "Tomorrow we'll have to be good at not getting stretched, especially at the back. It will be important to stay united and compact. We'll need the same concentration shown against Inter, when we lose the ball we must be immediately ready to win it back.

"We will focus on what we consider important and try to play our game. We're up against a strong team in a great stadium, it will be special to play at the Emirates. I want the girls to enjoy themselves out there and take this opportunity as a moment to grow further."

Team news

Rafaelle Souza in training

Since our last meeting, Leah Williamson and Rafaelle Souza have returned to full training and will be involved in the matchday squad. Both centre-backs have yet to play a Champions League group stage game this season, with Rafaelle sustaining her foot injury in our qualifying round against Ajax. 

Kim Little and Lina Hurtig continue to progress well with their recovery and Eidevall hopes they'll be back to match fitness before Christmas.

As it stands in Group C

    P W D L F A GD Pts
1 Arsenal 3 2 1 0 9 3 +6 7
2 Juventus 3 1 2 0 4 2 +2 5
3 Lyon 3 1 1 1 5 6 -1 4
4 FC Zurich 3 0 0 3 1 8 -7 0

 

How to watch

We kick off at 8pm (UK time) tonight at Emirates Stadium. All UWCL fixtures will be free to stream on DAZN's Youtube channel, wherever you are in the world.