Arsenal face a European heavyweight this week as the UEFA Women's Champions League returns following the international break.
The Gunners are overseas to take on Italian side Juventus on Thursday (8pm KO), in the wonderful setting of Turin's 41,507-seater Allianz Stadium which hosted last season's final. Arsenal currently sit top of Group C, but with Juve tucked-in behind on four points and defending champions Lyon also in the mix, Thursday's clash will go a long way to deciding who makes the last eight.
A win would put Arsenal on the brink of progression, and mean it would take a collapse from Jonas Eidevall's side in the second half of the stage to deny them a quarter-final spot. However, a win for Le Bianconere, who are managed by ex-Gunners boss Joe Montemurro, would send them to top spot.
And with Lyon expected to beat Zurich, things could suddenly get tight for the Gunners.
Back-to-back successes over eight-time champions Lyon (5-1) and Zurich (3-1) have put them in a great position, with the win in France in particular sending a clear message that Arsenal deserved to be considered contenders. But as much as they've made a great start in Europe, Eidevall will know the job is far from done.
With back-to-back games against the black-and-whites followed by welcoming Lyon to the Emirates, the situation could change quickly. The Swede must also lift his players quickly, as they travel to Turin straight off the back of losing in the WSL for the first time since January, after Manchester United's late turnaround denied them a 15th straight league win.
It also should be remembered the Londoners had to navigate a the second qualifying round to reach the group stage, knocking out Ajax over two legs and will now be looking to advance the last eight to match their run of last season. With Leah Williamson still out and Beth Mead a doubt after picking up an injury against United, it will be a huge challenge, but if Arsenal can successfully complete their Italian job on Thursday, knock-out European football could await.
They aren't the only side to feature in European action this week, with Group A leaders Chelsea also returning. The Blues, finalists back in 2021 before losing to Barcelona, have made a flying start to their Champions League campaign and will turn their attentions to Europe on Wednesday evening.
The Blues host Real Madrid in a glamourous European tie at Kingsmeadow (8pm KO) hoping to continue their good form after brushing aside Tottenham, 3-0, in the London derby last week. Like London rivals Arsenal, they are yet to drop a point in the group stage.
A 1-0 success over PSG was followed with an 8-0 thrashing of Vllaznia of Albania, although Real should provide their toughest test to date. Player of the Season Claudia Zornoza will need to be kept quiet if the Blues are to make it three from three.
Should both London clubs take three points this week, we could once again be looking at two English clubs in the quarter-finals of Europe's premier competition.
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