Matildas Abroad: Williams returns, Brock and Carpenter go head to head in France

It's heading down to the wire in Sweden and Norway with some big matches for the Westfield Matildas in the battle for positions.

Meanwhile Lydia Williams is set for her first league call up, while Ellie Carpenter and Laura Brock are scheduled to meet up in France.

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England

10.30pm (AEDT) on Sunday night will see Mackenzie Arnold and Emily van Egmond's West Ham United kick off the fifth round of the FA Women's Super League at home to Manchester United.  

The Hammers have had a tough start to the season and will be aiming to knock off the fourth placed United to record their first win of the season.  

 

It couldn't be a more different start to the season for their Westfield Matildas' teammate Hayley Raso and the undefeated Everton. 

The Toffees sit second on the table with four wins from four starts and conceding just the one goal - the best defensive record in the WSL.  

They will look to continue their undefeated start when they host  Brighton & Hove Albion at home. Kick off is 11pm AEDT Sunday night.  

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In the early hours of Monday morning Chloe Logarzo and Bristol City will be aiming to carry their League Cup momentum into the WSL.  Coming off a 4-0 win over the London Bees, City will be fighting for their first points against Birmingham City.  The match commences at 12am AEDT.  

The final match containing Westfield Matildas will see another North London Derby match up as ladder leaders Arsenal host Tottenham at 12.30am AEDT on Monday morning.  

Caitlin Foord has been in fantastic form for the Gunners and is becoming a key player as injuries continue to hit Joe Montemurro's squad. 

One piece of good news is the return of a healthy and smiling Lydia Williams and we could see the Westfield Matildas custodian on the league team sheet for the first time.  


Meanwhile Alanna Kennedy should feature for the Spurs as they look to turn the tables on their neighbourhood rivals. 

Last time they met in the FA Cup quarter finals, the Spurs kept the contest tight for 70 minutes before the Gunners surged ahead.  This is the opportunity for not only a welcome win but a big statement.  

France

Westfield Matildas defensive teammates Ellie Carpenter and Laura Brock are scheduled to go head to head in the Division 1 Féminine as their clubs Lyon and EA Guingamp meet at 5.45am AEDT Saturday morning.  

Both teams are coming off wins last weekend with Lyon remaining undefeated while Guingamp recorded their first win of the season over Soyauz-Charente.  

 The third placed Montpellier travel to Stade Reims as Mary Fowler and her teammates look to bounce back from last week's loss to PSG.  Kick off is at 11.30pm Saturday night. 

Netherlands

The international break has come early for the Eredivisie Vrouwen.  Kyah Simon and Amy Harrison's PSV Eindhoven enter the recess in second place behind Ajax.  

Norway

With only three rounds left in the Toppserien, all points are vital for the Aussies in action.  

Only one wn behind the league leaders, Karly Roestbakken's LSK Kvinner and Katrina Gorry and Clare Polkinghorne's Avaldsnes will both be battling to keep within striking distance of the title.  Their clash is set for 4.00am AEDT Saturday morning.   

Spain

Round three of the Primera División will see Jenna McCormick's Real Betis up against second placed Athletic Club.  Kick off is 8pm on Sunday.  

An hour later at 9pm, Alex Chidiac and third place Atletico Madrid travel to meet Santa Teresa as they look to make up for an unexpected draw in Round 2.  

Chidiac Atletico
Alex Chidiac at Atletico training (Photo: Getty Images)

To finish off the Westfield Matildas in Spanish action, at 1.15am on Monday morning Aivi Luik and Sevilla will chase their first win against bottom placed Logrono.

Sweden

Also heading into the business end of the season, Emily Gielnik and Vittjso will battle FC Rosengard to extend their unbeaten streak to 10 matches.  Kick off is at 12am AEDT Sunday morning.