There is a buzz of expectancy around this game and it promises to be an intriguing opening showpiece as both teams will undoubtedly be striving to draw first blood in what is widely expected to be the closest National Division race since the league began, with Leeds United, Doncaster Belles and Charlton Athletic rank outsiders.

"We are the underdogs so in theory we'll have less pressure on us than Fulham will," said Clare Wheatley of Arsenal, the National Division champions. "Because Fulham are full-time, in theory they should walk away with everything this season if they are doing their job right as a full time professional team. But I can't wait and the girls can't wait for the game on Thursday."

The FA Community Shield is often seen as a friendly affair but the importance of this game is not lost on Marieanne Spacey, the new Fulham striker who dramatically left Arsenal in the summer after seven seasons with the Gunners.

"It will be a good monitor for Fulham for the season. It is important that we set out as we are going to set out for the season because this is the game that the other National League teams will be watching," she told TheFA.com.

"I think this is going to be the best season in the National League without a doubt. Obviously with Fulham coming up, Leeds and Charlton strengthening and, of course, Arsenal, it is going to be a big, big league this year."

Unfortunately for Spacey, who picked up an injury in the PFA Adidas National Women's Soccer festival in Mansfield at the weekend, she will not be facing her former team-mates but knows that it is the league that is where it really matters. "Of course I am disappointed but I would be disappointed more if I was missing games in the season."

It is not only Spacey, however, who will be disappointed by her absence. Her former Arsenal team-mate, Wheatley, acknowledges that her and her team were relishing the opportunity to come face to face with their former striker.

"I'm sure Marieanne will be gutted that she can't play. She relishes every single game that she plays in and in a way we were looking forward to playing against her. It would have been interesting. We won't get that chance this Thursday but no doubt we will through the season."

 

Although Fulham will be missing Spacey, Arsenal will also be entering the match without their star striker, Angela Banks, who is still away on holiday. However, both teams will be otherwise at full strength and Banks absence will give a chance to some of England's promising Under-19s in the Arsenal set up. Ellen Maggs, who has been described as one of the most naturally gifted players of her age in the country, is likely to start up front and Leanne Champ will also be featuring. Fulham will be looking to maintain their form from the weekend when they returned from Mansfield unbeaten, having scored 26 goals and conceded none. With Spacey missing and the prolific Marianne Pettersen having returned to Norway, all eyes will be on the England star Una Nwajei, who also joined Fulham in the summer. She made an immediate impact in the Mansfield tournament scoring seven goals and her manager Gaute Haugenes has been pleased with the way she is settling in.

"She is tall, she is fast and she knows where the goal is," he admitted. "It's fantastic to see how well she works in the sessions - she is completely honest in everything she is doing. She is very committed and I'm very happy with her as a new signing."

And after a long pre-season - Fulham have been back since early July - Haugenes cannot wait for the season opener. "I'm really looking forward to it. It's important to win the psychological battle and of course it is important to put up a good performance and hopefully win the game. We will play our strongest side we have at the moment."

Come Thursday evening it will be the players on the pitch that will be doing the talking in what will be an exciting and competitive season. Both teams will be looking to draw first blood and a convincing win for either side could go a long way to determining the eventual champions on the new season. Look out, we could be in for classic.

If you would like to be at the game, there are still tickets available. Priced at £3 for adults and £1 for concessions, ring the ticket hotline on 020 8926 1010 or visit www.leytonorient.com  Tickets will be on sale on the night of the game, which kicks-off at 7.35pm and will be televised live by Sky Sports.