Preview: Southampton (A).

Bristol City are back on the road as they visit Southampton on Sunday, September 21st (2pm).

Charlotte Healy’s side got their first three points of the season last week with a 2-0 win over Saints’ rivals Portsmouth at the Robins High Performance Centre thanks to goals from Rio Hardy and Lexi Lloyd-Smith.

City’s Head Coach will be looking for much of the same from her side, but is expecting a difficult encounter on the South Coast.

“Every team is difficult in this league, it’s not a cliche, it's a fact… They’ve got a new manager as well, new signings, so it’ll be another tough test but we’ll be ready,” Healy said as she looked ahead to this weekend's game.

OUR OPPONENTS: SOUTHAMPTON

Southampton were promoted to the Barclays Women’s Super League 2 in 2022 and have been comfortable ever since.

They have consistently avoided any threat of relegation, finishing at least midtable in their first three seasons in the second division. The 2023/24 season was their best to date, as they ended the campaign fourth and only six points behind eventual champions Crystal Palace.

Simon Parker was appointed as Head Coach in the summer after two seasons with Blackburn Rovers and has endured a strong start at St Mary’s, unbeaten and second after two games, beating Ipswich Town 4-0 on the opening day before last week's incredible 4-4 draw with Crystal Palace.

SOUTHAMPTON PROFILE

Formed: 1970
Stadium: St Mary’s Stadium
Nickname: The Saints
Manager: Simon Parker
Finish Last Season: 8th

MATCH DETAILS

When: Sunday, September 21st (2pm)
Where: St Mary’s Stadium
Competition: Barclays Women’s Super League 2

Referee: Jodie Hunter
Assistant Referee: Anastasiya Voloshchuk
Assistant Referee: Imogen Gates
Fourth Official: Jade Wardle