Preview: Arsenal Women (H).

Bristol City return to Ashton Gate as they welcome Arsenal on Sunday, October 22nd (6:45pm).

Lauren Smith’s side are still looking for their first points of the Barclays Women’s Super League, and the visit of The Gunners will likely prove to be one of the sterner tests of the campaign.

A defeat to WSL leaders Manchester City last Sunday followed defeats to Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur as City’s tough start in their return to top flight football continued, but they will look to take a positive second half performance against The Citizens into this weekend's visit of the North London side.

OUR OPPONENTS: ARSENAL

Founded:1987
Stadium: Meadow Park/Emirates Stadium
Nickname: The Gunners
Manager: Jonas Eidevall
Finish Last Season: 3rd

Statistically the most successful side in English Women’s football, Arsenal are once again expected to be in the thick of the WSL title race come the end of the season.

After years of sustained dominance, The Gunners endured a short-term trophy drought spanning four years, which was ended by their success in the Continental Tyre’s Women’s League Cup in May, their first piece of silverware under Jonas Eidevall.

Arsenal have won a record breaking 15 league titles, most recently in 2019, their first since being rebranded from Arsenal Ladies to Arsenal Women Football Club, a move which signalled “togetherness and unity” within the entire club.

Eidevall’s side have experienced a mixed start to the season, drawing one, losing one and winning one from their first three league games of the campaign, however they were boosted by the return of Lioness Beth Mead from long-term injury last weekend.

With Mead soon back to full fitness, and fellow English European Champions Alessia Russo and Leah Williamson, back out on the grass following an ACL injury last season, at his disposal, Eidevall will be looking to gain some momentum and put up a title challenge come May.

MATCH DETAILS

When: Sunday, October 22nd (6.45pm) 
Where: Ashton Gate
Competition: Barclays Women’s Super League

Referee: Ade Soneye
Assistant referee: David Middleton
Assistant referee: Lisa Rashid
Fourth Official: Sophie Dennington

MATCH PACK

Check out all the stats and facts ahead of the game.

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME

Words: Kory Cook