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Arsenal Shakes Up Lineup, Benches Blackstenius and Foord
27 Sep, 2025
Summary
- Arsenal manager Renee Slegers makes two attacking changes
- Stina Blackstenius and Caitlin Foord drop to the bench
- Frida Maanum and Beth Mead come into the starting lineup

In the lead-up to their upcoming match, Arsenal manager Renee Slegers has made some significant changes to the team's starting lineup. The Gunners are coming off a 0-0 draw against Manchester United last weekend, and Slegers has decided to shake things up in the attack.
Stina Blackstenius and Caitlin Foord, who were both in the starting XI for the United match, have been dropped to the bench. In their place, Frida Maanum and Beth Mead have been brought into the starting lineup. This suggests Slegers is looking to inject some fresh energy and creativity into Arsenal's attack.
Notably, Jenna Nighswonger is again absent from the squad, after her lack of playing time was recently questioned by Arsenal legend Ian Wright. The reasons for Nighswonger's continued absence remain unclear.
Aston Villa, Arsenal's upcoming opponents, have also made several changes to their own lineup. Noelle Maritz is suspended, so Rachel Maltby will start at left wing-back. Lucia Kendall replaces Kirsty Hanson in the midfield, and Sabrina D'Angelo starts in goal against her former club.
With both teams making significant lineup adjustments, the stage is set for an intriguing clash as Arsenal look to bounce back from their disappointing result against United.