The summer break is finally over, and Arsenal Women return to action this afternoon with a preseason friendly against North London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur. Kicking off at 3pm at Meadow Park, the match offers both sides an early opportunity to test themselves ahead of the new campaign, and for the Arsenal fans, a chance to see the summer’s shiny new signings in action. 

Arsenal’s perspective

Fresh from lifting the Champions League in May, Arsenal will play their first public preseason fixture of the summer. The Gunners’ transfer business turned heads across the footballing world as they completed the world-record signing of Olivia Smith, who became women’s football’s first £1 million player. Chloe Kelly also returns on a permanent basis after her successful loan spell and impressive Euros campaign with England, while Taylor Hinds and goalkeeper Anneke Borbe add further quality and depth. 

But preseason is as much about rhythm as it is results, and Renée Slegers’ squad will use this game to smooth out any problems ahead of the start of the WSL. Leah Williamson will miss out as she recovers from a knee surgery, and availabilities of Kim Little and Lia Wälti are in doubt after they missed the squad’s recent training camp in Germany. This leaves an opportunity for the new signings to stake an early claim, alongside some of last season’s heroes.

Tottenham’s approach 

For Spurs, this fixture represents their second outing of the summer, having drawn 0-0 to Sevilla earlier this month. New manager Martin Ho has kept a low profile in the transfer market, with Japanese defender Toka Koga their only addition so far. The likes of Ashleigh Neville, Maite Oroz and Olivia Holdt are returning to fitness after minor setbacks and will hope to feature, while Kit Graham edges closer to a comeback from a long-term ACL injury. 

Tottenham will look to sharpen their organisation and test themselves against an Arsenal side brimming with attacking options. After finishing 11th last season, Spurs know that pre-season is about building foundations, but a strong showing against their rivals would provide them a welcome boost.

What to expect

The two league meetings between these two sides saw Arsenal do the double over Tottenham, the home fixture at the Emirates being particularly memorable with a 5-0 scoreline, a perfect derby day for the Gunners.

Arsenal have been quietly sharpening up with friendlies behind closed doors this summer, so while this is their first public outing, they should not be lacking sharpness. Tottenham may look to frustrate early on, but across the pitch, the Gunners’ quality and squad depth are likely to shine through. For home fans, it’s the first chance to see their new players, adding extra excitement to an already fiery North London clash.