The Women’s Champions League group stages begin this week, with an assortment of mouthwatering ties to look forward to.
European heavyweights go head to head, former fan favourites return to face their former clubs and a selection of sides make their group stage debuts.
Here’s everything to look out for on matchday one of the Champions League.
The first gameweek of Champions League action has thrown up a pair of heavyweight clashes; reigning champions Lyon host Arsenal – the only English side ever to have won the competition – on Wednesday, and 2021 runners up Chelsea travel to two-time beaten finalists PSG.
Together, Arsenal and Lyon boast a seven of the top 14 players from the 2022 Ballon d’Or shortlist – although the pair’s star-studded squads have both been hit by injury. Arsenal will be without first choice centre back pairing Leah Williamson and Rafaelle, while Lyon’s extensive injury list consists of Ada Hegerberg, Catarina Macario, Sara Dabritz, Dzsenifer Marozsan, Ellie Carpenter, Griedge Mbock and Delphine Cascarino. Amel Majri also hasn’t returned since having her first child.
“It’s a reality check, to see where we are and how we have developed and that is very exciting to see,” said Jonas Eidevall. “When you play a team like Lyon you can’t think that you will be in total control for the whole game. You have to think that you will be in control for some moments but so will Lyon.
“We will face more shots on target than we have been recently, we will face more set pieces than we have been recently, so this game will be very different and we need to deal with that.”
Lyon vs Arsenal
When is kick off? Wednesday 19 October, 20:00 (BST)
Where is the match being played? Groupama Stadium
TV channel/livestream? DAZN UEFA Women’s Champions League YouTube
Highlights? DAZN UEFA Women’s Champions League YouTube
A selection of former WSL stars who moved to Europe over the summer could make their Champions League debuts for their new sides during match day one.
Lionesses Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh could make their European bows for Barcelona following their summer switches from Manchester City. Barcelona host Benfica on Wednesday evening at Johan Cruyff Stadium – their final two home Champions League group fixtures will be at Camp Nou.
Jackie Groenen, Georgia Stanway and…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at 90min EN…