Match Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs Bristol City Women

Last time out:

Despite some heroics from Sophie Baggaley and a strong team effort, the Robins fell to a 3-0 defeat against title-chasers Manchester City in their last outing.

First-half goals from Caroline Weir and Ellen White put the visitors 2-0 up at half-time.

Samantha Lewis’ looping header in the 89th minute confirmed all three points for the Citizens, with the result subsequently moving the Robins back to the bottom of the league due to West Ham’s 2-2 draw with Birmingham City.

Form: 

Bristol City Women

Last five games: LLWDL

City have been through a tough run of fixtures in recent weeks, including two matches against league-leaders, Chelsea, and the last fixture being against Manchester City.

The Robins’ last win came in a thriller against Reading, which saw Matt Beard’s side win 3-2 at Ashton Gate.

Tottenham Hotspur

Last five games: DLLLL

Spurs’ last victory came back in January when they beat West Ham United 1-0, however they have had a tough run of results since that win, losing four on the bounce before their most recent game.

The Lilywhites ended their losing streak in their last match where they played out a stalemate against Reading FC, with both sides failing to break the deadlock despite creating many chances.

Three points for either side will be a massive result in their bids for safety in the WSL. 

Memory Lane: 

• November 14th, 2020
• Bristol City Women 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur
• Twerton Park

It was a thriller at Twerton Park last time out between the two sides as a late Salmon goal earned City a 2-2 draw against Spurs.

Chloe Logarzo opened the scoring for City from the penalty spot in the first half before Siri Worm levelled the scoring before the half with a curling free-kick. 

Ashleigh Neville gave the visitors the lead when she got on the end of Worm’s set-piece to knock the ball past Baggaley, however Spurs were then reduced to 10 players with just over 10 minutes remaining when substitute Rhianna Dean was sent off for a late challenge on Baggaley.

City pressed for an equaliser and got their goal at the death when Salmon latched onto Purfield’s long ball and drilled past the keeper on the bounce into the bottom corner.

The draw was the Robins’ first point of the season in the league.

One to watch: Alana Kennedy

The midfielder has been a vital part of Tottenham’s squad this season after joining on loan from Orlando Pride, acting as an anchor in the Spurs midfield. 

The Australian international has played all 15 league games for Spurs this season, but don’t be fooled by her lack of goals and assists, as the midfield has been a defensive rock in the middle of the park.

Known for her passing range and reading of the game, Kennedy will put up a hard battle against the Robins’ midfield. 

Word from the camp: Matt Beard

Ahead of the game, City boss Beard praised the forwards in his squad and the advantage his sides attacking prowess can give the Robins in their relegation battle. 

“In every game I’ve been in charge of we have created chances and the pleasing thing is having Abi Harrison, Charlie Wellings and Ebony Salmon all firing so we have goals coming from across the team,” said Beard.

“Maybe some of the teams in this relegation battle don’t have that so we can use it to our advantage over the coming weeks.”

Beard also claims that the game against Tottenham will be much different from the 2-2 draw earlier in the season.

“They’ve changed manager, they’ve changed the way they play a bit. We’ve started to touch upon one or two things in training where they’re good without the ball but for us it’s a game we feel we can get points, be that a win or a draw.”

Where to watch:

Supporters can watch Bristol City Women take on Tottenham Hotspur live via the FA Player App on Sunday afternoon (14:00 KO)

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