Firstly, I want to say welcome back to my pre match previews , and I would like to apologize for that ! However, we are back and we are starting with a bang back in with Arsenal in FA cup action v Leeds .
This is the fourth round proper, and the first time arsenal (along with all WSL sides) have been included in the competition this year.
Leeds United ladies are the lowest ranked team left in the competition, playing in the FA women's national league division one north.
To get to this stage of the competition they have beat Brighouse Town, Redcar Town and , an against the run of the mill win against , Stoke City.
Leeds United Ladies have a strong history of the women's FA cup, although albeit a little while ago.
Perhaps what is disappointing is since boasting such talent and desire for trophies in 2014 Leeds United completely withdrew funding to the side , as well as prohibiting them from using the name sake 'Leeds United' . The club would have completely fallen to the lee side if it had not been for the amazing work of volunteers and crowdfunding.
It wasn't until 2017 that the club was welcomed back into the Leeds United family, although perhaps the damage was done. The team that was once reaching finals of cups and competing at the highest level had gone.
The game will provide as a good chance for Jonas Eidevall , who at the time of me writing this will be (hopefully) enjoying his 40th birthday, for squad rotation , and to see his new signings in action.
All 3 of the new signings actually played in the 3-0 win over Aston Villa, although goalkeeper Sarina D'Angelo was the only to start, Victoria Pelova and Katherine Kuhl came on as substitutes during the match.
Recalled loanie Gio was unable to play in the match, having to watch from the sidelines due to being cuptied from her loaned side Everton Women.
Lia Walti is unable to play due to a 'small injury.'
Goalkeeper Fran Stenson has also been recalled by Arsenal from Birmingham City . Perhaps preparing for the potential loss of Manuela Zinsberger if she is to not sign a further contract.
This leaves Anna Patten (on loan at Aston Villa) and Mana Iwabuchi (on loan at Tottenham) as the only two arsenal players left out on loan spells.
It is hard to look at previous fixtures between these two sides- as the last came in 2010, over 12 years ago now- with both sides looking very different now!
Kick off 2pm, Meadow Park, or live on arsenal.com free of charge.
Also check out @offtheballblog on instagram for match updates ! #offtheballblog
See you their ! Lucy, x
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