The 2020/2021 FA Women’s Continental League Cup gets underway later today with 22 clubs from the Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship contesting the opening round of group matches.
Ahead of the start of the competition, we have analysed each of the six groups. Here are our thoughts on Group D which contains top flight clubs Brighton & Hove Albion, Reading and West Ham United along with FA Women’s Championship side Charlton Athletic.
Improving Brighton & Hove Albion will fancy their chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the FA Women’s Continental League Cup given their recent form. The Seagulls defeated Birmingham City on opening day before recording an excellent goalless draw at Manchester City. Hope Powell’s side did exit the 2019/2020 Vitality Women’s FA Cup on penalty kicks last month and they will be keep to make amends in the FA Women’s Continental League Cup. Albion are well-organised and if they can find the back of the net on a regular basis at the other end, they could get out of Group D.
Reading manager Kelly Chambers has brought some experience to the club over the summer and the new arrivals are certainly making an impact for The Royals on the pitch. The Berkshire club have won their last two matches and are in good shape to begin their FA Women’s Continental League Cup campaign. Reading have never lost to Brighton & Hove Albion in the top flight while they have a hold on West Ham United, standing them in really good stead for their battles in Group D.
It has been a start to the season to forget for West Ham United. After recording a 1-1 draw at Tottenham Hotspur on opening day, The Hammers have been battered 9-1 by Arsenal and lost 1-0 to Reading. Pressure is mounting and the East Londoners need results sooner rather than later. Qualification from Group D is not by any means beyond West Ham United’s capabilities but they are in poor form and it is difficult to see them getting that long-awaited consistency any time soon. You’ve got to feel that both Brighton & Hove Albion and Reading might better them.
Second tier side Charlton Athletic are showing lots of improvement under manager Riteesh Mishra’s guidance this season. The Addicks were winless in last season’s FA Women’s Championship but they are already off the mark this term. Mishra’s side are always well-organised and hard to break down and they could be tough opponents for all three top tier sides. Qualification is unlikely but this is a team growing and gaining belief with every game.
Gameday One Fixtures
Brighton & Hove Albion v West Ham United
Reading v Charlton Athletic
Predicted group winner: Reading