Preview: Arsenal Women vs. Reading Women - prediction, team news, lineups

Arsenal Women will be looking to claim a third consecutive victory in all competitions when they play host to Reading Women on Sunday.

The Royals, meanwhile, will be targeting a second straight victory after beating West Ham United 2-1 last weekend.

Match preview

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After winning 3-1 against Chelsea last Sunday to claim their sixth League Cup trophy, Arsenal were back in WSL action in midweek for a home meeting with Liverpool.

First-half goals from Stina Blackstenius and Caitlin Foord guided the Gunners to a 2-0 victory, ending their three-game winless league run.

The Gunners head into the weekend in fourth position with three points separating them from third-placed Manchester City, who have played a game more.

Although, Arsenal's immediate priority will be to secure Champions League qualification, with six points covering the top four and they are still in the title picture.

The Gunners boast an impressive head-to-head record with Reading, having won 10 and drawn two of their previous 12 meetings.

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After suffering four consecutive WSL defeats, Reading returned to winning ways last weekend, claiming a narrow 2-1 victory over West Ham United.

Charlie Wellings's opening goal was cancelled out by West Ham's Vivianne Asseyi, but Rachel Rowe's 85th effort ensured that the Royals recorded their first league win of 2023.

Despite emerging victorious last weekend, Kelly Chambers's side remain embroiled in a relegation battle with four points separating them from basement side Leicester City, who have a game in hand.

Having lost all seven of their away league games, Reading are the only side who have failed to pick up an away point in the WSL this season.

The Royals have conceded at least two goals in all of their away league matches this term, highlighting the defensive improvement that is required if they are to start collecting points on their travels.

Team News

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Arsenal will be without the services of Steph Catley due to a foot injury, while long-term absentees Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema are out for the rest of the season.

After missing Arsenal's last three matches, goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo remains a doubt for Sunday's contest.

Noelle Maritz dropped down to the bench in midweek, but Jonas Eidevall may decide to recall the right-back to the starting lineup.

As for the visitors, they are still unable to call upon Deanne Rose, who has been limited to just 24 minutes of action this season due to injury.

January signing Easther Mayi Kith has been praised by Chambers for her performances in the last two games, and she is expected to retain her place in central defence alongside Gemma Evans.

In fact, the Reading boss could be tempted to name an unchanged starting XI following last Sunday's win over West Ham.

Arsenal Women possible starting lineup:

Zinsberger; Maritz, Williamson, Rafaelle, McCabe; Maanum, Little, Walti; Pelova, Foord, Blackstenius

Reading Women possible starting lineup:

Moloney; Bryson, Mayi Kith, Evans, Mukandi; Moore, Vanhaevermaet, Eikeland; Harries, Wellings, Rowe

We say: Arsenal Women 3-1 Reading Women

Reading would have been buoyed by their narrow win last weekend, but after losing all six of their away league games this season, we expect the Royals to be brushed aside by Arsenal on Sunday.

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