After being turfed out of the FA Cup at the weekend by local rivals Chelsea, Arsenal will look to focus on improving their league form on Wednesday night at home to Bristol Academy.
Bristol have also been defeated by the Blues this season, losing their first league fixture 4-0 to Emma Hayes’ side. Since then they have yet to pick up their first win of the campaign after a number of departures in the summer have caused them to struggle to find form.
One of those departures was Jemma Rose – now employed by Bristol’s mid-week opponents the Gunners.
Rose told the WSL website she was expecting a challenging game against her former club.
“It is going to be tough to go up against them but I want the three points for Arsenal and I will be doing all I can to make that happen. It has been tough for Bristol so far this season but they have the right character to get out of it I am sure.
They have also recruited really well so I am sure they will turn things around.”
One of the Vixen’s new recruits is Scotland international Christie Murray who joined from the Gunners.
Bristol have so far lost four games in all competitions this season, conceding 18 goals and only scoring one in the process, with the heaviest defeat coming at the hands of German side Frankfurt in the Champions League.
Bristol Academy keeper Mary Earps said despite her side’s difficult run in at the start of the season, they were ready to show their worth against Arsenal.
“We have had a tough start to the season with lots of games back-to-back which is always tiring. There are positives we can take from our showings but the nature of WSL1 is that there are no easy games.
“I don’t think any game is a ‘must win’ right now because we still have quite a few left,” Earps added, “Arsenal will be just as keen to get points as we are. If we go out there, start well, and perform well then I’m sure the result will follow.”
