Match Preview: LCFC Women vs. Blackburn Rovers Ladies

LCFC Women
04 Nov 2020
4 Minutes
LCFC Women host Blackburn Rovers Ladies in their Continental League Cup opener on Wednesday night (7:45pm kick off).

- The Foxes' Continental League Cup campaign begins with a home tie against Blackburn Rovers Ladies on Wednesday
- The group stage fixture will be played behind-closed-doors at Farley Way Stadium (7:45pm kick-off)
- City are fourth in the current league standings, while Rovers sit eighth after five matches
- You can follow all of the action via LCFC Women's official social media accounts

Here's everything you know about the midweek cup clash with Blackburn Rovers, including news from the Foxes camp, how to follow and a look at the opposition...

The Foxes camp

Paige Bailey-Gayle was on target for the Foxes last time out.

City are entering their first Continental Cup fixture of this season's competition, having been drawn in Group E alongside Blackburn and Birmingham City. All clubs from the top two divisions take part, with each opponent played once during the group stage. The top placed team from the six groups will progress into the quarter finals, alongside the best two runners-up. 

The Foxes will be looking to put Sunday's 4-1 defeat at London City Lionesses - a first league loss of 2020/21 - behind them, ahead of taking on Lewes in the FA Women's Championship on Sunday 8 November (2pm kick-off). 

Three To Watch

Manchester United forward Maria Edwards is currently on loan at Blackburn Rovers.

Both sides are expected to shuffle the pack, but Rovers may call upon experienced goalkeeper Alex Brooks, who kept a clean sheet in her first league appearance of the season two weeks ago. The former Birmingham and Manchester City shot-stopper also featured against her former club in Rovers' first Conti Cup fixture.

Since the two teams faced off in the league in September, the visitors have added forward Maria Edwards to their ranks, arriving on loan from Manchester United. The 17-year-old could be given a chance to shine having started her first game for the club last time out.

One of two players to start every game for Blackburn so far this season, Ellie Fletcher is a versatile defender or midfielder who can feature in a variety of positions. Previously of Liverpool and Sheffield United, Fletcher registered an assist in the visitors' league win over Crystal Palace.

Talking Points

Foxes midfielder Sophie Barker spoke to LCFC TV and previewed Wednesday's cup clash against Blackburn.

LCFC Women midfielder Sophie Barker said: "It's a really important one this week so we need to pick ourselves up quickly, but we definitely don't want to feel like that again. Every team is going to test us, we're the team to beat. We're the full-time team, we're the ones expected to win every game. We need to perform better so hopefully we'll show that on Wednesday and turn it around quickly."

LCFC Women manager Jonathan Morgan told LCFC TV: "We just need to pick ourselves back up and go again. [In the] Conti Cup we'll probably make a few changes, but again, it's a game that we want to get a result out of. Definitely some fresh legs [will feature]. It gives a few people the opportunity to show what they have and it's not a bad game to come into after the result we had [against London City], so they will be trying to stake a claim for a place in the team."

Opposition Form Guide

Blackburn faced top flight side Birmingham City in their opening Continental Cup fixture.

Blackburn Rovers were narrowly beaten by Barclays FA Women's Super League outfit Birmingham City on matchday one, losing 1-0 at Bamber Bridge after a late winner from Claudia Walker.

The Blues' last league game, on Sunday 18 October, saw the Blues defeat London City Lionesses and record a first home win of the league campaign. Georgia Walters' penalty was enough for the Lancashire club to collect all three points, ahead of meeting London Bees on Sunday 8 November (2pm kick-off). 

Last Time Out

Charlie Devlin celebrates scoring the opener during City's last meeting with Blackburn Rovers.

Leicester came out on top in the last league meeting between the two sides on the opening day of the season. The Foxes recorded a 3-0 victory at Farley Way Stadium thanks to Charlie Devlin's opener and a brace from Natasha Flint against her former club.

How To Follow

LCFC Women's official social media accounts will house live coverage of Wednesday night's clash at Farley Way Stadium.

Supporters can stay up to date with proceedings in Quorn by following LCFC Women on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram - where you be able to access live updates, while there will be plenty of reaction from the Foxes camp after full-time, including interviews and match highlights on LCFC TV.

All times GMT.