Preview: Leicester hope to thwart Bristol in Conti Cup semis

crystal-palace-vs-leicester-city-women
(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Bristol City will take on Leicester in the Continental Cup semi-final in a bid to book a place at Vicarage Road.

The Foxes are the only Championship side left in the competition. Making it to the final would be a huge boost in their quest for top flight football.

The Robins are coming into the match on a high, achieving their first win of the season over Brighton on Sunday. They netted three goals and kept a clean sheet, adding spice to the relegation battle.

Bristol’s last result in the Conti Cup was a 2-1 win over Aston Villa, whom they are competing with to stay afloat in the WSL. 

On a winning streak, Leicester will have bags of confidence come tomorrow night. Five wins from five and sitting top of the table, Jonathan Morgan’s side will be looking to prove they deserve their place in the WSL.

One goal was enough to get them into the next round, beating Crystal Palace 1-0 away from home. 

Ones to watch: Bristol City

Ebony Salmon put on a five-star display against Brighton on Sunday. She bagged two of the three goals for herself.

The 20-year-old is known for her dangerous runs into space and clinical finishing. She is a nuisance for any defence responsible for stopping her.

On the opposite end of the pitch, shot-stopper Sophie Baggaley could be difference for her team. As a frequent name in Her Football Hub’s Team of The Week, she has consistently stood out for her good use of her feet and communication with her backline.

Despite Bristol not winning many games, Baggaley has certainly helped soften the blow of the scoreline many of times.

Ones to watch: Leicester City

When it comes to free-kicks and long-range shots at goal, Natasha Flint is the name you need. With an eye for goal as well as excellent vision, the forward is a constant threat for the Foxes going forward in attack.

Grabbing the deciding goal against Crystal Palace, the 24-year-old will be on the hunt to send her team through again.

Consistent wins are the work of defenders as well as forwards and Ashleigh Plumptre is one of them. An aggressive centre-back with a great reading of the game, she makes it hard for strikers to get comfortable.

The 22-year-old is a versatile player with experience in midfield, plenty of pace and height makes her a dangerous opponent.

Predicted line-ups:

Bristol City

Baggaley; Evans, Matthews ©, Pike, Humphrey, Salmon, Daniels, Wellings, Allen, Palmer, Purfield.

Leicester City

Levell; De Graaf, Tierney, Plumptre, Smith, Barker ©, Bailey-Gayle, Allen, Devlin, Paul, Flint.

Where to watch:

The game is set for a 7:30pm kick off on the FA Player.

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