‘We need to set the tone early doors’ - Oxtoby

Bristol City Women head into the game looking to bounce back from back-to-back defeats in the WSL and they welcome a Vicky Jepson's side, who sit one point and on place above them in the current league table.

“It’s going to be an interesting game this weekend both clubs have had challenging starts to the season, so it's a really good test for us to see where we’re at and hopefully we’ll put in a good performance.

“Liverpool are strong in the wide areas, their attacking players are very good one versus one, so they will look to try and isolate us in the wide channels”, she continued, “we have got to work hard to nullify those threats and hurt them going the other way."

“We can’t let them have time to settle on the ball and get into their rhythm, it’s our home ground and we want to try and make sure that we set the tone early.”, said Oxtoby. 

Whilst recent results have not gone City Women’s way, Oxtoby believes her side have begun to grow in confidence with the ball and they’re showing signs of progression in developing their brand of football.

“We set the girls a challenge before the games against Arsenal and Reading to better with the ball and at times we did that really well, then at times we let ourselves down out of possession. 

“Moving forward, there are some real positives for us but we do need to tighten up and we’re looking forward to putting in a big performance against Liverpool.

“We’ve said all along that it’s going to take time for the players to gel and you’re now beginning to see the baby steps of that. 

“Out of possession they’re comfortable for the most part, whilst in possession they’re still learning and reading each other, trying to work out what one another is going to do and then transferring that into our systems. 

“We’re getting there slowly and the girls have been improving with every week and that’s all we can ask.”