Arsenal face Chelsea in the Women's Super League knowing a loss would damage their title hopes early in the season. The Gunners sit seven points behind Manchester City after successive draws against Crystal Palace and Manchester United. Renee Slegers' side have created chances but lack ruthlessness, scoring only twice in three league games despite 56 shots.

The club invested in Germany duo Lisa Baum and Selina Cerci, but Beth Mead left for Manchester City. Slegers has options including Chloe Kelly, Olivia Smith, Alessia Russo, Stina Blackstenius, and Caitlin Foord, with Michelle Agyemang expected later. Alessia Russo, who scored 13 WSL goals last season, has been used as a number 10 instead of striker, failing to score despite 11 shots.

Slegers acknowledges issues in decision-making, technical execution, and final-third details, emphasizing the need for counter-attacking and set-piece threats. Arsenal created 70 touches in Palace's box with 79% possession but drew 0-0. They drew 1-1 with United via a 95th-minute equaliser and beat HB Koge with a 93rd-minute penalty in the Champions League.