Arsenal Women vs Manchester United: Picking a combined XI ahead of WSL clash
By Ali Rampling
Arsenal have long been one of the dominant forces in women's football in the UK, while Manchester United are the up and coming force attempting to break into the top three.
The pair meet on Friday evening in what could be a crucial fixture in determining who snatches the WSL's final Champions League spot.
Ahead of the fixture, let's take a look at what a combined XI of the two sides could look like when combining players definitely available for the fixture (which effectively rules out half of United's squad given the injury crisis they're in the midst of).
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Mary Earps (GK) - One of WSL's more underrated goalkeepers given how she's been ignored for England of late. Earps has steadily improved during her time at United; a super shot stopper and a reliable pair of hands.
Noelle Maritz (RB) - Bringing in Noel Maritz during the summer window was a really shrewd bit of business from Arsenal. The Swiss international is fast becoming a fans' favourite; tenacious, lives for a tackle and absolutely hard as nails.
Millie Turner (CB) - The ever dependable Millie Turner has struck up an excellent central defensive partnership with Amy Turner - who has every right to feel gutted about missing out on a place in this XI - this season, and has been one of United's most consistent performers since the team's formation.
Leah Williamson (CB) - Williamson is one of the WSL's standout centre backs, exuding calmness at the back. Her distribution is so instrumental to the way in which Arsenal play.
Ona Batlle (LB) - United were pretty busy during the 2020 transfer window, but could the slightly understated signing of Batlle be their best piece of business? Loves a defensive battle and happily flies up and down the left flank all afternoon.
2. Midfielders
Jackie Groenen (CM) - Manchester United's first blockbuster signing was the addition of Dutch international Groenen in 2019 - and she has not disappointed. Crucial at both ends of the pitch for the Red Devils, she's the beating heart of Casey Stoney's side.
Jordan Nobbs (CM) - The all-action midfielder is among the best in the league, and is more than capable of popping up with a game changing wonder goal or two - as she has against both Manchester City and Tottenham in the cup competitions this season.
Kim Little (CM) - One of the league's all-time greats, the Scotland international's skill, balance and vision are near unrivalled. Another game changer capable of winning a match with a flash of brilliance.
3. Forwards
Ella Toone (FW) - One of the league's breakout stars this term, Toone has forced her way into the England squad thanks to her performances in a United shirt this season. Having struggled for starts last campaign, she has become almost undroppable.
Vivianne Miedema (ST) - One of the top scoring WSL players of all time, Miedema is one of the world's greatest number nines, who plays with the mentality and poise of a number 10. An outrageous talent, the league is lucky to have her.
Caitlin Foord (FW) - Having arrived in north London in January 2020, Foord has really found her feet in her first full season at Arsenal. The Australian international has formed a cracking partnership with Miedema, and has nine goals and five assists in 14 league appearances.