FA Cup fever hits SE7 this weekend as National League South team Watford visit The Valley (kick off 2pm)
The Hornets were relegated from the Women's Championship two years ago but are now flying high - currently sitting joint top of their division with a healthy goal difference. They come into this weekend following a 3-2 home defeat to Lewes FC and, with just one promotion spot to the WSL 2 available, it is highly possible they decide to rest and rotate players this weekend to focus on league action.
Karen Hills will probably also be minded to rotate. Although there is only one league game left before the winter break it is a crucial one against promotion candidates Nottingham Forest and so fresh legs will be important.
Hills, of course, has an attachment to the FA Cup, being part of the Charlton Athletic team to lift the trophy in 2005. Last season The Addicks progressed past Lewes FC in the third round before losing to eventual champions Chelsea.
In terms of selection, Hills will be unlikely to be able to rest Charlotte Newsham, although she might like to. Newsham played on the left hand side during last weekend's draw with Portsmouth with Gracie Pearse missing from the match day squad entirely. Newsham’s replacement on the right - Gloria Siber - was forced off due to injury late in the piece, and we hope that was just cramp and nothing more long term. Players like Mary McAteer, Gillian Kenney and Janis Chime will be hoping to play some minutes and force their way into the side.
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Photo by Danni Fairbairn