Arsenal vs Birmingham City predicted lineups: Caldentey out as Slegers weighs changes

Arsenal must reshape their attacking options against Birmingham City after Mariona Caldentey joined an already substantial injury list. Our prediction gives Olivia Smith a starting role, although her workload remains a selection decision.

The WSL fixture takes place at Emirates Stadium on Saturday 17 October 2026, kicking off at 12.45pm BST.

Arsenal team news: Caldentey and Cerci unavailable

Caldentey is absent with a hamstring tear, while Selina Cerci faces a spell out following a knee procedure. Daphne van Domselaar, Michelle Agyemang, Katie Reid and Chloe Kelly are also unavailable, according to the latest Arsenal team-news assessment.

Elisa de Almeida is available again and Smith has reported being pain-free. That improves Renée Slegers’ options without guaranteeing either player a place in the starting side.

Birmingham team news and selection

Birmingham’s provisional selection keeps Hurtré behind the forward line, with Naalsund and Miyagawa in central midfield. The pre-match assessment of Birmingham’s options provides the basis for that selection.

A comprehensive fresh Birmingham injury bulletin was not available when this preview was prepared. The XI below is a forecast of the side, rather than confirmation that every player has passed a fitness check.

Arsenal vs Birmingham City predicted lineups

Arsenal predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Misa; Fox, Williamson, Catley, Batlle; Cooney-Cross, Stanway; Baum, Little, Smith; Russo.

Birmingham City predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Baggaley; Levasseur, Turner, Herron, McKenna; Naalsund, Miyagawa; Crosthwaite, Hurtré, Lee Geum-min; Sarri.

The selection decisions to watch

Kim Little is our choice in the advanced central role, with Lisa Baum and Smith supporting Alessia Russo. That is an editorial selection: Frida Maanum, Caitlin Foord and Stina Blackstenius offer alternatives if Slegers chooses a different balance.

These are our predicted teams, not confirmed starting lineups. Fitness assessments, international workloads and tactical decisions can change the selections before kick-off.

The match is live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Mix. See our football on TV guide and women’s football section for more coverage.