Giants clash on European stage
Thursday, 7th November 2013
Published: 7 November, 2013
by CATHERINE ETOE
FANS of the Women’s Champions League are in for a treat this week when two of the top teams in Britain go head-to-head in a bid to make the quarter finals of the prestigious Uefa competition.
Arsenal Ladies face Scottish champions Glasgow City in a last 16 encounter that kicks off on Saturday at Barnet FC’s The Hive.
And the Gunners’ in-form striker Danielle Carter (pictured) hopes the ground will be packed to the rafters.
“I believe Glasgow have a bus of supporters coming down so hopefully we’ll attract as many people as possible,” she told the New Journal.
“We like The Hive, we enjoyed playing there in the Continental Cup final and there was a good crowd. And it would be nice to get a good one again on Saturday.”
There will be little time for recovery, with Arsenal travelling to Glasgow for the return leg on November 13.
But it will be nothing compared to the long haul to Kazakhstan that faced the north London club in the previous Round of 32.
The arduous journey did nothing to dim Arsenal’s performance, however, and they stormed into this last 16 after beating Kazakh side Kairat 18-2 on aggregate, with striker Carter bagging five goals over the two ties.
The 20-year-old looked on fine form at Arsenal FC’s London Colney on Monday night in a high-tempo training session which also featured talismanic forward Kelly Smith as she makes her return from injury.
Whether Smith will play some part against Glasgow, who wrapped up the Women’s Scottish Premier League title at the weekend, remains to be seen but Arsenal manager Shelley Kerr knows she has plenty of options if not.
Kim Little also bagged five against Kairat, a tally that made her the eighth highest all-time scorer in the competition, and with eight players getting on the scoresheet, the group clearly has goals in them.
“Everyone is confident and excited,” added Carter. “It’s a home nation derby, so to speak, and we’re up for it. It should be a good game both home and away but it’s really important to get a good result on Saturday, make the most of home advantage, get a few goals and hopefully not concede.”
Kick-off this Saturday (November 9) is at 1pm at the Hive in Edgware. Tickets £5 adults/£2.50 under-16s.
