by Sylvain Jamet

Arsenal face Watford tonight in the first group game of the FA WSL Continental Cup 2015.

There are three groups of six teams with the top two teams qualifying for the quarter-finals, along with the two best third placed teams from the group stages.

Arsenal a rejoined by just one other FA WSL 1 team in their group, with the other four teams all playing in WSL 2. As a result Arsenal are expected to qualify from the group just like last season. Now even mores as it is easier with eight teams going through rather than four last year.

Opposition preview

Watford have gone through many phases in the last two years and the core of their side has now left. They are bottom of the FA WSL 2 with four points in 11 games and a -21 goal difference. Pedro Losa should really rest all the World Cup and senior players in preparation to the big league game on Sunday against Notts County. There are many development team girls and former u17 players who are good enough to compete against Watford, so we may get to see them.

Watford Ladies are great at producing youngsters and also giving a chance for players from the lower division to play in the FA WSL. Not many teams are scouting in the WPL overall and might miss hidden gems, but not Watford.

 

Opposition key players

Watford player Hollie Wride can play at left back or left wing, she has a good first touch and the ability to give quality through balls.

Club captain Megan Wynne is a creative winger who has played for Wales senior team.

Predicted line-up:

Arsenal : Van Veenendaal; Scott, Stoney, Rose, Mitchell; Bailey, Williamson, Humphrey; Corrdera, Carter, Yankey

(But we’re hoping that Pedro Losa will name a younger team instead of this XI.)

 

Playing both sides

Leigh-Anne Robe: Came through the Center of Excellence and development team/reserves before moving to Watford last season.

Cally Rowell: Started at u9 level with Arsenal Ladies and played through the younger age groups, the Academy and reserves before moving to Watford. She is currently injured.

Tricia Gould: Played many years at youth level before moving to study at University in Texas. Signed for Watford upon returning to England.

Hollie Augustus: Played many years for Watford before moving to the Arsenal Development team. Has been on the first team bench on a number of occasions.

Last 5

The two sides of only played one game in the FA WSL so far, coming in the Continental Cup last season with the game ending Arsenal Ladies 3-0 Watford Ladies