The WSL is relentless.
This Saturday it is reigning champions Manchester City who visit The Valley for a 1.30pm kick off. City are top of the league with a 100% record and are coming into the game off the back of an impressive comeback against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Charlton come into the game after a 4-0 defeat against Brighton in the Players Cup.
Even though the result was disappointing, large amounts of last weekend's performance against London City Lionesses were positive. Jodie Hutton’s goal was sublime and showed the quality that can be unlocked when she’s given a chance to use her left foot. The attacking play was generally better in the second half and the team looked like it was starting to gel. Defensively there were some issues but the disparity in the money spent was always going to make it so. The injury to Keira Skeels is a concern but it might force Karen Hills to play Lucia Lobato in the centre of defence again which is no bad thing.
Manchester City don’t have a danger player to look out for, they have a whole team of them. Bunny Shaw was the WSL top scorer for the last three seasons and has already bagged four times this term. Lauren Hemp and Beth Mead will be no strangers to England fans having racked up over 150 appearances combined and sharing over 60 goals. Alex Greenwood is an international centurion, a rock at the back and a natural leader. This season Man City are the highest scorers, have created the most big chances, made the most accurate passes and average 66% possession.
There is no doubt that this is a tough fixture but that’s what Charlton fought so hard for. Promotion earned the right to play these fixtures. Man City are yet to keep a clean sheet and will be playing a lot of football in the Charlton half, that presents an opportunity to hit them on the counter. Regardless of the result, these are the games to enjoy.
Karen Hills is under no illusions:
"Another huge test on Saturday, the champions are coming to The Valley which is really exciting and we know how difficult the challenge is going to be.
"Hopefully we get a really good crowd to support us once again, we've faced so many different challenges already this season and we are growing each week and although it will be difficult we are looking forward to it."