The Women’s FA Cup finally returns to Meadow Park this Wednesday as Arsenal host Championship side Bristol City in the fourth round. The original fixture was postponed earlier in the month due to a frozen pitch, with the winning side rewarded with a home tie against London City Lionesses in round five.

This competition offers the Gunners a chance to start their FA Cup campaign strong and bounce back after a narrow defeat to Chelsea at the weekend. Meanwhile Bristol City arrive with momentum, having secured a confidence-boosting 3-1 win over Championship leaders Birmingham City on Sunday. 

Arsenal’s Perspective

Arsenal began 2025 on a high, winning their first two matches convincingly before a hard-fought loss to Chelsea in the league. Under manager Renée Slegers, the Gunners have shown renewed drive and collective resilience, with players stepping up across the pitch.

While Arsenal are clear favourites, Slegers may look to rotate her squad, particularly with two crucial fixtures against Manchester City next week. Caitlin Foord who was substituted early against Chelsea, may be rested, and Katie McCabe will miss out due to a red card.

These absences may provide opportunities for younger talents like Rosa Kafaji or Katie Reid, who made her league debut against Bristol City in 2024, to see more minutes as Slegers manages player workloads effectively.

Bristol’s Approach

Bristol come into this match riding high after their impressive victory over Birmingham City. Manager Steve Kirby, recently named the Championship’s Manager of the Month for December, has instilled confidence in his squad, and they’ll relish the chance to test themselves against one of Europe’s best teams.

Kirby’s side will take inspiration from their strong recent form and aim to frustrate Arsenal defensively while exploiting any opportunities on the counter. Though they remain the underdogs, their recent success suggests they’ll approach the game with nothing to lose and everything to prove.

Tactical Insights

Arsenal’s fluid attack will test Bristol’s defensive resolve, with the Gunners winning 5-0 at the last meeting between the two sides. The visitors will look to surprise Arsenal with moments of quick play and will be excited to showcase their potential. Slegers acknowledged ahead of the postponed fixture the need for her players to stay sharp, warning that Bristol’s Championship play makes them a formidable opponent despite differences in league standings.

Closing Thoughts

As Arsenal begin their FA Cup campaign, the stakes are high for a team eager to continue their legacy in this competition. For Bristol, it’s a chance to measure themselves against elite opposition and potentially create an unforgettable moment in club history. With both sides aiming to impress, Wednesday’s match promises excitement and drama at Meadow Park.