Matildas Abroad: Kerr, Arnold set to clash in NWSL; Johnson scores in Canada

It will be Matilda v Matilda in the United States on the weekend, as Mackenzie Arnold will be tasked with keeping out Sam Kerr and her teammates in the NWSL.

Elsewhere, the Damallsvenskan restarts for Malmö in Sweden - with Charli Grant set to make her competitive debut for Malmö FF - while Kahli Johnson was on the scoresheet for Calgary.

Read our preview of the action below.

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United States

The Portland Thorns host Gotham FC on Saturday, 12pm AEST on Stan Sport. It is a huge match in the context of the season. Gotham are currently second, equal on points with first-place Washington Spirit, while the Thorns have dropped to fourth after a strong start. With only five points separating first and sixth, every point counts at this stage of the year.

Mackenzie Arnold is expected to line up in goal for Portland. She will have to contend with the likes of Sam Kerr, who assisted for Gotham last week and will be hoping to make her first start since re-signing.

Sweden

Malmö FF take on Vittsjö GIK on Tuesday, 3am AEST. It is their first competitive game back after the mid-season break. They are currently in third, positioned well to qualify for a European place once more. Courtney Nevin, Amy Sayer and Charli Grant will be available to take part for Malmö. It is set to be a competitive club debut for Grant.

Elsewhere, FC Rosengård continue their preparations with a friendly against Norwegian side Stabaek FC. Remy Siemsen, Bryleeh Henry and Izzy Gomez will be available for their final match before competitive fixtures restart for them.

Canada

Kahli Johnson was on the scoresheet midweek, in Calgary Wild’s 2-1 defeat against Ottawa Rapid FC. Johnson’s former CommBank Young Matildas manager Leah Blayney, has been appointed to help turn their campaign around after a tough start. They next play on Wednesday, 9am against Toronto and can be streamed live and free via the Northern Super League YouTube Channel.