Vålerenga are facing an English team for the first time in European competition when they play Arsenal tonight. Both clubs are looking to bounce back after opening group stage defeats. The Norwegian side lost 1-0 to Juventus, while Arsenal fell to a 5-2 defeat against Bayern Munich.

Here is what Nils Lexerød, Vålerenga manager, had to say about the Women’s Champions League before the group stage started:

Renée Slegers was asked at a press conference about having to take over the team at such short notice. she said: “I’m happy to do it because I care about the team, I care about the players. I’ve been here for a year now. It’s a massive club so I’m happy to help.

“We have a really, really good staff. We work really well together. A lot was already prepared behind the scenes. With players, everything stays the same for players, so we now have a task in front of us, and that’s what we’re going to focus on. Right now, I’m just focusing on the next two games that are ahead of us. They’re both important games for us.”

On the Women’s Football Weekly podcast our writers spoke about Eidevall’s departure and the Lionesses squad announcement. You can listen here:

Here is the story on Jonas Eidevall’s departure for all the details:

The team news is in. Arsenal start Laia Codina with Lotte Wubben-Moy not in this evening’s squad, while Lina Hurtig is on the bench.

Arsenal: Van Domselaar, Fox, Codina, Williamson, Mariona, Mead, Little (C), McCabe, Walti, Foord, Russo

Subs: Zinsberger, Williams, Catley, Reid, Cooney-Cross, Kuhl, Maanum, Kafaji, Hurtig, Godfrey, Lia, Blackstenius

Vålerenga, meanwhile, start Michaela Kovacs who scored in their Topperserien win at the weekend.

Vålerenga: Enblom, Harte, Thorsnes, Kovacs, Thomsen, Vicklus, Bjelde, Heiðarsdóttir, Stolen Gode, Tvedten, Saevik

Subs: Erichsen, Grinde-Hansen, Olsen, Lindwall, Sesay, Arnesen, Enger.

Preamble