Preview: Manchester City (A).

Bristol City are on the road again as they make the trip up north to face Manchester City on Sunday, October 15th (1pm).

It will be one of the toughest tests of the season for Lauren Smith’s side, who are still looking for their first points of the season in the Barclays Women’s Super League.

The Robins have started the season with two defeats in the WSL, losing 4-2 to Leicester City and then 3-1 to Tottenham Hotspur last week before playing out a 1-1 draw with Southampton in FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup in midweek, but aspects of their performances have been promising, something Smith will be looking for her players to build on.

“The first half against Leicester, the second half against Tottenham, and the first half against Southampton were positive,” said the Head Coach. “We have to find a way of pushing forward to make sure we compete and make an impact over longer periods of time.”

OUR OPPONENTS: MANCHESTER CITY

Founded: 1988
Stadium: The Joie Stadium
Nickname: The Citizens
Manager: Gareth Taylor
Finish Last Season: 4th

Since turning professional in 2013, Manchester City have become one of the most dominant sides in domestic Women’s football, winning their first Women’s Super League title in 2016, along with two Women’s FA Cup titles, also claiming the FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup twice.

The Citizens have had a disappointing few years under Gareth Taylor, failing to quite live up to expectations either domestically or in Europe. They’ve had a strong start to the season though, beating West Ham 2-0 on the opening day before playing out a 1-1 draw with Champions Chelsea last time out.

With a plethora of Lionesses such as Alex Greenwood, Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly in his ranks, Taylor will be looking to mount a title challenge this season.

MATCH DETAILS

When: Sunday, October 15th (1pm) 
Where: The Joie Stadium
Competition: Barclays Women’s Super League

Referee: Stacy Fullicks
Assistant referee: Magda Golba
Assistant referee: Grace Lowe
Fourth Official: Rebecca Welch

Words: Kory Cook