Arsenal Women are in Lisbon to face Benfica in a Women's Champions League match at Estadio da Luz, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm BST. Both teams are aiming for their first win of the campaign.
Arsenal, the reigning European champions, suffered a defeat in their opening match against Lyon and are eager to get back on track. Benfica also lost their first match against Juventus. Arsenal won against Brighton in the WSL at the weekend, which ended a four-game winless streak.
This marks the first time Arsenal has faced a Portuguese opponent in the main rounds of the UWCL. In their last six away games in the group stage, Arsenal has only lost once, managing to score in each of those nine games. Benfica, in contrast, are unbeaten in their last three home games in the group stage, with two wins and one draw.
Team news indicates that Leah Williamson is still recovering from a knee injury. Renée Slegers provided an update stating that Williamson is progressing well and recently had her first session on the pitch. The team hopes to have her back before Christmas, but the timeline depends on her progress.
Renée Slegers has made four changes to the starting XI for tonight's game. Lotte Wubben-Moy, Taylor Hinds, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Beth Mead all come into the side, replacing Katie Reid, Katie McCabe, Frida Maanum and Caitlin Foord.
Slegers previewed the game, highlighting Benfica's aggressive and intense style of play. She emphasized the importance of creating control in the game.
The match will be overseen by Slovenian referee Miriama Bockova. It will be available to watch live on Disney+ in the UK.