City’s Crunch WSL Clash With Birmingham Previewed
Both sides enjoyed Vitality Women’s FA Cup success last weekend, the Blues overcoming Sunderland of the FA Women’s Championship 2-1, while Leicester travelled to fellow WSL outfit Tottenham Hotspur and progressed following extra-time.
Focus is now back on the league programme as the league's bottom two teams battle it out towards their long-term objectives for top-flight survival. Ahead of the crucial fixture against Darren Carter’s outfit, here’s all the key information to note…
The Foxes camp
Shannon O’Brien, Sophie Howard and Esmee De Graaf scored the goals that saw Leicester into the next round of the FA Cup, securing a 3-1 success over their league opponents at The Hive Stadium, despite trailing with 10 minutes of normal time remaining. City will now meet holders Chelsea in round five later this month.
Connie Scofield was handed her long-awaited LCFC Women debut in the cup contest and will be hoping for more minutes when facing her former club, Birmingham. Just two points separate the teams in the standings after 13 games, with a five-point gap up to Everton in 10th.
The Foxes have since added defender Esther Morgan, on loan from Spurs, and former Middlesbrough midfielder Elysia Boddy to their ranks and both are eligible to feature for the first time on Sunday.
The opposition
A shock 2-0 triumph over Arsenal at St. Andrew’s last month sealed Birmingham’s maiden win of the WSL campaign to date, with goals from Libby Smith and Veatriki Sarri inflicting a first defeat on the league leaders.
Their other point of the campaign came against West Ham United in October 2021, drawing 1-1 at Chigwell Construction Stadium courtesy of Louise Quinn’s leveller.
Darren Carter came close to a first away victory last time out as his side raced into a two-goal lead at Reading, eventually losing 3-2, despite Gemma Lawley and Jade Pennock finding the net in the first half.
In the dugout
Former Birmingham City midfielder Darren Carter took the reins as interim head coach in November 2021, following the departure of Scott Booth less than five months after his arrival. After retiring from playing at Solihull Moors last year, the 37-year-old managed their youth academy and worked as a development coach, before becoming first team coach at West Bromwich Albion Women in the third tier.
Ones to watch
Birmingham are able to call upon several experienced figures this season, including captain Louise Quinn. The Republic of Ireland international spent last term in Italy with Fiorentina, after three years at Arsenal, winning the WSL and the League Cup during her time with the Gunners. The 31-year-old has played every minute of the Blues’ league campaign to date, scoring twice in 13 games.
Former Foxes forward Libby Smith signed for the Blues last summer after coming through the ranks at LCFC Women’s Academy from the age of seven to 15. The 20-year-old then enjoyed a spell at Chelsea’s Academy before returning to the Club for two seasons. Although primarily a striker, the former England youth international can also be deployed as a full-back.
Last time out
Leicester triumphed 2-0 in December’s reverse fixture at King Power Stadium, courtesy of goals from Sophie Howard and Shannon O’Brien. It moved the Foxes off the bottom of the table, sealing a first three points of the campaign.
The sides also clashed in the Continental Tyres League Cup group stage last season, with Leicester, then a FA Women’s Championship team, winning on penalties at Damson Park following a 0-0 draw in normal time, to qualify for the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time in the Club’s history.
Ticket and travel news
Leicester fans can purchase match tickets for the fixture directly from the home club, HERE, or by calling 0121 772 0101 (option 2). They will also be available from Blues Ticket Office at St. Andrew’s Stadium. Tickets are priced at £10 for adults, £7 for over-65s, £6 for under-16s, £1 for under-13s.