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 B which contains current trophy holders Chelsea, last season’s runners-up Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and the London City Lionesses.
Home advantage could play a big part in which club qualifies from Group B with Chelsea having the benefit of taking on both Arsenal and Spurs at Kingsmeadow. Luck was certainly on the side the South West Londoners when the draw was made and they look the most likely team to qualify. Manager Emma Hayes has the luxury of having one of the biggest squads in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League allowing her the opportunity to rotate and replace quality with a similar high level of talent.
Arsenal’s injury woes from last season have continued into the new campaign with head coach Joe Montemurro likely to be without at least three key players for their opening group match at Chelsea. Jill Roord, Kim Little and Lisa Evans are all likely to be missing for the short trip across the capital. The Gunners’ squad depth is already being tested and while they have started the new season well, it is difficult to see them challenging in three competitions unless they begin to have some better fortune in the treatment room.
Tottenham Hotspur won’t be fancied by many to win the group or even finish as runners-up. With Karen Hills and Juan Amoros’ side facing little pressure or expectancy, they can maybe look to simply enjoy their football a little and see where that leads them. Spurs travel to both Chelsea and Arsenal in the group stage and in reality, they may need to positive results from both games to have any chance of securing a quarter-final appearance.
The final team in the group is second tier side London City Lionesses. The Pride are still searching for their first victory in the FA Women’s Championship this season and it seems highly unlikely that a win will come in this season’s FA Women’s Continental League Cup. Lisa Fallon’s squad are naturally looking forward to testing themselves against the elite and they will be hoping to avoid some large scorelines and come out of games against huge opponents with some real credit.
Gameday One Fixtures
Tottenham Hotspur v London City Lionesses
Chelsea v Arsenal
Predicted group winner: Chelsea
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