The FA Women’s Continental League Cup returns this week with the first round of group fixtures.
This week sees 20 of the 22 participating clubs in the group stage contest their first group matches. Two clubs will have midweek off due to groups containing odd numbers of participants while Chelsea and Arsenal will come in at the quarter-final stage due to their European commitments.
While there is often little in the way of media coverage and promotion around the group stage, you can’t get away from the fact that there are some fascinating ties set to be played in midweek. FAWSL Full-Time have taken a look at the first round of group fixtures and we have identified three matches where we think the Barclays FA Women’s Super League sides will face a real battle.
Liverpool v Aston Villa
Liverpool are beginning to get into their groove under new boss Matt Beard with The Reds having won their last three matches in the FA Women’s Championship. The Merseysiders boast lots of players with Barclays FA Women’s Super League experience in their ranks including a fully-fit Leanne Kiernan who is edging back towards her best.
Beard’s side go into their match against top flight Aston Villa second in the league table and they are scoring goals and keeping clean sheets.
Aston Villa have seven points on the board so far this season and have already equalled last season’s win tally. With league progression being the priority, head coach Carla Ward could rotate her squad resulting in their tie against Liverpool being a bit of an unknown.
Liverpool looked very strong against Sheffield United at the weekend and they should provide Villa with a very stern test at Prenton Park.
Tottenham Hotspur v Charlton Athletic
Former Spurs boss Karen Hills will feel that she has unfinished business following her sacking last November and she brings her new club Charlton Athletic to The Hive on Wednesday looking to cause an upset.
The Addicks went full-time in the summer and they have collected 12 points from an available 15 in the FA Women’s Championship. They boast former Spurs stars Anna Filbey, Hannah Godfrey and Elisha Sulola in their ranks to add further spice to the tie in addition to the return of Hills.
Charlton Athletic want Barclays FA Women’s Super League football in the future and this seems like a wonderful opportunity to make a statement against a Spurs side who lost their perfect winning record in league competition on Sunday. This is a game you really wouldn’t want to miss.
Durham v Manchester United
Durham were the only team not to be defeated by Manchester United during their FA Women’s Championship promotion-winning campaign in 2018/2019 and The Red Devils will be well-aware of the potential banana skin which awaits at Maiden Castle on Thursday.
Durham have grown that physical, resolute identity which Manchester United last witnessed three seasons ago while The Wildcats are sharp in attack.
Lee Sanders’ side recently celebrated a year in their new home at Maiden Castle and the FA Women’s Championship leaders have made it a fortress with three wins out of three this season.
Thursday night will be cold and dark and the artificial pitch which is significantly distanced from the fans will be something Manchester United aren’t used to. The Barmy Army will need to bring their louder voices to be heard along with plenty of patience. This is a Durham side who thrive in home cup ties against the big clubs and it will be far from a one-sided affair.