White: Emirates clash will be so special

Faye White says Thursday’s Super League clash against Chelsea at Emirates Stadium will be a special occasion for the entire Arsenal Ladies team. The treble winners began the defence of their league title with a 3-2 win against Everton at their Boreham Wood FC home earlier this month, and will face the Blues in a one-off match at the Emirates next. Ladies captain White cannot wait to play at the venue and hopes that it will help to attract extra backing from Gunners supporters. “It is a great opportunity for fans who don't often go and watch the men or who maybe haven't even been to the stadium,” she told Arsenal.com.  “They can see the standard of our team and come and give us some support. “We have had a lot of interest around this game. I have played at the Emirates two or three times and Highbury before that quite a few times, so I have been very fortunate. “It is a special occasion for the team, we will have a bigger crowd than usual and there will be a good buzz. I remember that the last time we played there we won the league so that was a really good memory.” White is expecting a major challenge from Chelsea, but is confident Arsenal can win if they play to their full potential on Thursday night. “Chelsea have always had a good team but never really been able to challenge,” she said. “In the first few years when I was playing they were up there with ourselves and Everton but since then they have dropped off a little bit. “They have strength with a few Welsh internationals this season and Hayley Moorwood, who has played at World Cups for New Zealand. “It is always a close game and we don't take them for granted but I do feel our strength this season will be a lot for any team to handle. “Certainly the Emirates, with the pitch as lovely as it is, will help us to pass the ball around and that really suits us.” Arsenal's London derby with Chelsea kicks off at 7.45pm on Thursday, April 26 and tickets cost just £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions.