Saturday evening sees Bristol Academy welcome Arsenal to Stoke Gifford in the final round of WSL 1 fixtures before the summer break.
The two sides have experienced very different fortunes so far in their respective campaigns. Bristol find themselves propping up the table without a win and with the league’s worst defensive record. In comparison, title-hopefuls Arsenal lie second, unbeaten, and boast a defensive record only bettered by league leaders Chelsea. The two teams have already met this season, with the reverse fixture resulting in a 2-0 win to the Gunners thanks to goals from Carla Humphrey and Vicky Losada.
Bristol picked up their first point and clean sheet of the season last time out in a goalless draw at Birmingham, under the watchful eye of new manager Willie Kirk who takes charge of his first game this weekend after the departure of Dave Edmondson.
And Vixen’s midfielder Angharad James hopes the 0-0 draw against the Blues can kick-start her side’s season:
“It was vitally important for us to get points on the board against Birmingham and we have momentum to take into the game with Arsenal now,” said the 20-year-old.
“In previous games when we conceded our heads dropped, so to not concede at all was important for us. It showed we have a good defensive spirit and that we are capable of going into games and keeping clean sheets. We must now continue to prove ourselves by doing the same against Arsenal.
“We need to adapt to Willie Kirk’s philosophy quickly, but I think the mid-season break has come at a good time. We will have time on the training pitch for him to show us how he wants us to play.”
Arsenal’s last game also ended with a point and clean sheet after a 0-0 draw at Chelsea, and the Gunners have a strong contingent of England internationals who will all be looking to make the most of their final opportunity to impress Mark Sampson before he selects his World Cup squad.
Bristol lost two players to Arsenal in the closed season in Jemma Rose and Natalia Pablos Sanchon, and both are likely to feature against their old club. The London club will give late fitness checks to both Jordan Nobbs and Leah Williamson after recent injuries.
