Maestre ready for Arsenal Challenge: London City “must play without fear”

London City Lionesses head coach Eder Maestre says his side must “play without fear” when they face Arsenal Women’s FC in a sold-out London derby at the Copperjax Community Stadium this weekend.

With 5,000 tickets sold, they prepare for their first ever sell-out as an independent club navigating the Barclays Women’s Super League for their first season.

Need for belief against Arsenal

Speaking ahead of the match, Maestre acknowledged the quality of Arsenal but insisted his team must approach the game with belief:

“Arsenal is one of the most talented teams in the world. But we want to be aggressive and play without fear.”

Despite the challenge Arsenal present, the coach believes his team is beginning to develop a clearer identity on the pitch:

“We are starting to become a more complete team,” he said. “We can create chances in different ways and we are improving every week.”

Maestre hopes the team can now turn strong performances against top sides into results:

“The next step is not only competing with these teams, it’s getting results as well.”

Disrupted preparation

The fixture comes after a lengthy international break, which Maestre said allowed players to recharge before returning to full preparation this week.

Maestre admitted that managing the squad during that period can be challenging:

“The most difficult part is keeping the same high-level standard when many players are away.”

With fewer players available, the coaching staff used the time to try different training exercises and place more emphasis on individual development. The players who remained at the club also took part in alternative activities to break up the routine such as playing padel:

“It’s also a good moment to be closer to the players who are not with the national teams and focus on their development.”

The full squad resumed normal preparations earlier this week, starting training on the game plan for the Arsenal match. The coach confirmed that all players are fit and ready, having returned in full health from the international break.

Asian Cup absence

Both sides will be missing players because of the AFC Women's Asian Cup. Arsenal are without Australian internationals Caitlin Foord, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Steph Catley, while London City are missing Alanna Kennedy and Saki Kumagai.

Kennedy has been outstanding during the tournament and is currently Australia’s leading goalscorer. Maestre acknowledged the absences but expressed confidence in the players available to him:

“They have very good tools to replace that kind of players, but we do as well. We need to be confident in the players we have.”

Maestre also praised Kennedy, highlighting her strength in set-pieces and the very good chances she created against Everton from corner kicks:

“I’m very happy with the way she is improving.”

The Matildas also secured qualification for the next FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 in Brazil following their victory over South Korea and progression to the Semi Finals, meaning they could be absent for the following matchday too.

Record attendance

For the first time in the club's history, London City Lionesses have sold out the CopperJax Community Stadium. Over 5,000 tickets for this Sunday's Barclays Women's Super League clash have been sold for Sunday’s clash against Arsenal.

The London derby is expected to attract a strong travelling crowd, with Arsenal fans known for following their team in large numbers. Despite that, head coach Eder Maestre believes the occasion will still feel like a home match for his side and hopes the supporters will play an important role in creating the atmosphere:

“It's our stadium, so we need to feel the energy of our crowd, our supporters.”

Maestre also acknowledged that the presence of a large crowd, including many visiting fans, could create an intense atmosphere, but believes it will ultimately be a positive experience for his players:

“A sold-out stadium brings a lot of energy,” Maestre said. “For the club and for the players it’s something special. I think it’s something very positive and I’m very pleased to feel that experience.”

The match marks a historic moment for the club and reflects the growing interest in women’s football, with London City preparing to play in front of their biggest home crowd to date.

London City Lionesses’  WSL fixture against Arsenal kicks-off at 11:55 BST on Sunday 15 March 2026.