Hope Powell will urge her players to hit the ground running when the new Barclays FA Women’s Super League season kicks off today.
Albion start against Birmingham City behind closed doors at the People’s Pension Stadium (2pm) and with six new faces in the squad after a busy summer of recruitment there could be a much different look to the team which was in ninth place when last season was curtailed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
But whoever is selected, Powell will urge her players to make a fast start to what is likely to be a very competitive division.
“Even some of our new players have had to adapt to the pace of this league during the pre-season games,” she said. “But we need them to hit the ground running on Sunday.
“It’s the first game of the season so it’s bound to be a bit tense, but we know it will be tough as every fixture in this league is going to be.”
Like Albion, Sunday’s opponents have revamped their squad and Birmingham arrive with a new coach after Carla Ward took over in the summer after leaving Championship side Sheffield United.
“We’ve both got different squads and they’ve got a new coach so their players will be trying to impress,” added Powell.
“Carla had a successful spell with Sheffield United and has been working hard to make quality additions to her squad so we know that we can expect a really tough game.”
You will be able to watch the match live for free on the FA Player. Visit FAPlayer.tv or download the app, available on both the Apple App and Google Play stores.
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A full match report and reaction will be available shortly after the final whistle.
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