Match preview

Conti Cup Preview: Southampton FC v Arsenal Women

Conti Cup: Southampton v Arsenal Women. November 23, 2023. St Mary's Stadium

Our Conti Cup journey continues this evening as we travel to the coast to face Women's Championship side, Southampton FC.

So far, over 12,500 tickets have been sold for the tie against the Saints with another incredible away faction expected at St Mary's Stadium. 

The opposition

The Southampton Women's team huddle before a game against Crystal Palace

Today marks our first competitive fixture with Southampton F.C. Women, a side that was established in 2017. 

They aren't to be confused with Southampton Women's FC or Southampton Saints Girls and Ladies Football Club, who have existed in the city since the 1970s but are not affiliated with the men's club. 

With a win over Reading and a penalty shootout win over Bristol City, the Saints have made a promising start to the Conti Cup campaign in Group D.

Elsewhere, It's exceptionally tight at the top of the Women's Championship after 11 games played, with Southampton only one point behind Charlton Athletic and Sunderland and only one point ahead of Crystal Palace and Birmingham City. 

A familiar face in the dugout

Marieanne Spacey lifts the 1998 FA Cup trophy

We'll go head-to-head with a club legend this evening as Southampton are coached by former Gunner, Marieanne Spacey-Cale.

An incredibly gifted deep-lying forward, Spacey-Cale scored 79 goals during her nine-year spell at the club and won a string of domestic titles and trophies from 1993 to 2002. 

Spacey-Cale has been in the dugout for the Saints since 2018 and is also the club's Head of Girls and Women's Football. 

Previewing the tie

Walti on Southampton: "We take Southampton completely seriously and we've seen a lot of good clips to analyse them. We've definitely seen where their strengths are but at the same time, we want to dominate that game.

"We want to go into that game and win it in front of a great crowd and that's what we're looking forward to."

Spacey-Cale on us: “Arsenal will be a fantastic test for us, and we’ll put on a show for our fans, who have been with us every step of the way up until now.

“We go into the fixture without any pressure on us - It’s about going out there, enjoying it and giving a good account of ourselves."

Team news

Vivianne Miedema on her return to the side

With no press conference this week, Jonas Eidevall has not provided an update on the fitness of Kim Little, Vivianne Miedema and Jen Beattie who all missed out on the matchday squad at the weekend. 

Leah Williamson, Laura Wienroither and Teyah Goldie continue their ACL rehabilitation at London Colney. 

Match officials

Referee: Stacey Pearson

Assistant Referee: Harley Hetherington

Assistant Referee: Michael Butcher

Fourth Official: Lorraine Catchpole

How to watch

St Mary's Stadium

A record crowd is expected at St Mary's this evening but for those unable to make the journey, the game will be streamed on Southampton's Saints Play platform for £2. 

You can see all the key moments and a behind-the-scenes look at matchday via our social media channels. 

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