As a Birmingham City Women fan, this is one of those games that feels like it means a little bit more. Charlton Athletic are coming to St Andrew’s on Sunday, and after everything these two clubs went through last season, there is plenty riding on this one.
Kick-off is at 2pm on Sunday 25 October, and I’m hoping the Blues can turn home advantage into our first league win of the season.
A massive opportunity for the Blues
Let’s be honest, our return to the top flight hasn’t been easy. We’ve picked up three points from our opening six league games, but there have been encouraging signs. The 1–1 draw away at Arsenal last weekend was a real positive, showing that we can compete against top opposition.
We also followed that up with a convincing 5–0 win over Durham in the Subway Players Cup. That should give the players a welcome confidence boost heading into Sunday.
Charlton have had an even tougher start, losing their opening six league matches. However, they did beat Bristol City 2–0 in the cup, so we cannot afford to underestimate them.
This is exactly the sort of fixture we need to start winning if we want to establish ourselves in the WSL. We’ve worked too hard to earn promotion to let a difficult start define our season.
And there’s an added storyline: Birmingham beat Charlton 2–0 on the final day of last season to secure the WSL 2 title. I’m sure the Addicks will remember that result, but hopefully we can give them another difficult afternoon in Birmingham.
Players to watch
Océane Hurtré – our biggest attacking threat
If there is one player I’m backing to make the difference, it’s Océane Hurtré.
She has been one of the brightest sparks in our campaign, scoring six league goals and finding the net against Arsenal. Her pace, direct running and eye for goal have given us a real attacking outlet, even when the team has struggled to dominate possession.
I love how willing she is to take defenders on rather than simply play it safe. Against Charlton, I want to see us getting the ball to her early, allowing her to attack the space and cause problems.
If she gets the service she needs, I fancy her to get on the scoresheet again.
Lily Crosthwaite – the creative spark
Crosthwaite is another player I’ll be keeping a close eye on. Her energy and ability to drive forward can help stretch opposition defences and create opportunities for those around her.
With Hurtré attracting plenty of attention, Crosthwaite could be particularly important in giving Charlton another problem to deal with. If both wide players can get at their full-backs, we have a much better chance of opening the game up.
Neve Herron – important in the engine room
Herron impressed in the draw against Arsenal, and her contribution could be crucial again here.
Games like this are often decided by who wins the midfield battle, particularly when both teams are desperate for points. We need energy, composure and players willing to do the hard work when we don’t have the ball.
If Herron can help us compete in the middle of the pitch and move possession forward quickly, it will give our attackers a better platform to hurt Charlton.
Jodie Hutton – Charlton’s danger woman
We also need to keep an eye on Charlton’s Jodie Hutton.
She has been a key contributor to their attacking play, with a goal and an assist in the league so far. Charlton may look to hit us on the counterattack, and Hutton is someone who could punish us if we leave too much space between our midfield and defence.
We cannot allow ourselves to get carried away going forward. Attack with purpose, but keep our shape and make Charlton work for every opportunity.
Where could the game be won?
For me, the biggest thing is how we start. Playing at St Andrew’s, we need to show confidence, get the crowd involved and put Charlton under pressure from the first whistle.
I’d like to see us move the ball quickly out wide, get runners into the box and make the most of Hurtré’s form. We have players capable of creating chances, but we need to turn those opportunities into goals.
At the same time, we must be wary of Charlton’s counterattacks. They know this is a big opportunity for them too, and they won’t simply roll over because of their league position.
The first goal could be massive. If we score early, I think the confidence and atmosphere could carry us on to a strong performance.
My prediction: Birmingham City Women 2–1 Charlton Athletic Women
I’m going for a 2–1 Blues win.
It might not be comfortable, and I expect Charlton to make us work for it, but I think the draw against Arsenal and the cup win over Durham have given us some momentum.
Hurtré is in excellent form, and I’m backing her to play a decisive role. Hopefully, we can combine that attacking quality with a solid defensive performance and finally get that first league victory.
More than anything, I want to see the team play with belief and show the quality that took us back to the top flight.
Come on, you Blues! Let’s make St Andrew’s count.