Bristol City v Arsenal: The Brief

We finish our Women’s Super League campaign at Bristol City on Sunday afternoon, with a place in next season’s Champions League still a possibility.

For that to be the case though, we need to win at Stoke Gifford Stadium and hope that Manchester City fail to beat Everton at home.

THE OPPOSITION

Bristol City will be relatively content with their first full season back in the top tier of women’s football - they go into Sunday’s match safe from relegation in seventh place, though they could drop to ninth if results don’t go their way at the weekend.

Goals have been a problem in 2017/18 - Sunday’s hosts have only netted 12 times in 17 league games, seven of which have been scored by highly-rated forward Lauren Hemp. She was on target when the teams drew 1-1 last October. 

LAST TIME WE MET

That match in October was a frustrating one for us. Jemma Rose and Jordan Nobbs both went close for us before Hemp gave the visitors a first-half lead. Sophie Baggaley then denied Vivianne Miedema but we drew level just after the break courtesy of Danielle Van de Donk. 

Further chances fell to Miedema and Jodie Taylor, but both were denied by the inspired Sophie Baggaley.

ONE TO WATCH

Jordan Nobbs signed a new deal on Wednesday and could cap a fine week by helping us reach the Champions League.

The 25-year-old has produced another typically stellar season, passing 50 goals for the club in the process. 

“Our recent results have shown us on a good winning streak,” she told us this week. “We still know that we need to be better and I still want to win more trophies here, so we know we all need to dig a little bit harder.

“Right now, to be an Arsenal fan, I think we’re definitely in a great place and the fact that we’re keeping players on board shows how much they’re enjoying being at this club and working alongside Joe.”