Big night for women’s football this evening – Thursday 26 April – as FA Women’s Super League champions Arsenal take on London rivals Chelsea at the Emirates stadium, the first time a WSL match has taken place at a Premiership ground.


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It’s early days in the season, but a win would see the home side leap-frog Chelsea to the top of the table, adding more grrr to a derby that’s expected to be attended by up to 5,000 fans.

There’s also the extra twist of former Gunner Helen Lander – scorer of two goals in two games this term – returning to face her old side.

“It’s always nice to see a few friendly faces,” said Lander, “but once you’re on the pitch nobody’s friends.”

One way the women’s game is making friends is on the ticket price front: it’s £5 for tonight’s match and just £30 for a season ticket. Chelsea also charge £5 for their matches, played at Wheatsheaf Park, Staines Town FC’s ground. Arsenal usually play home games at Meadow Park, the home of Borehamwood FC.

Anyone who watched the televised Women’s World Cup last summer, played to packed stadiums in Germany, will know the standard of football is right up there. For an idea of the quality likely to be on show at the Emirates tonight, take a look at Arsenal’s second goal, scored by Jordan Nobbs from a sweeping breakaway move, in the recent five-goal thriller against Everton. Move starts 50 seconds in.

Kick off at the Emirates is at 7.45pm.