Angharad James expects boss Willie Kerr to roll the dice when it comes to team selection in the FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup – starting with Tuesday’s opening clash against Aston Villa.
Bristol Academy have struggled so far this season and find themselves bottom of FA WSL 1 after eight games without a win.
But a period of transition was to be expected for the Vixens, who lost some big names during the off-season before previous manager Dave Edmondson left the club in April.
Aston Villa Ladies v Bristol Academy
FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup
Group Three
7.30pm, Tuesday 21 July
Sutton Coldfield Central Ground
Buy tickets here
Hayley Ladd, 21, and Sharla Passariello, 23, have been brought in and James admits it will take time for the side to gel.
Yet with a blossoming squad to choose from, she says the new boss will want to shuffle the pack in order to find the right blend.
“We are a very young squad and the players we have brought in are also youthful but have really freshened up a team – and we can build on that over the next two or three seasons,” said James.
“The signings will make a difference to the team in their own individual way and boost our squad.
“The Continental Cup is a different kettle of fish, we are playing teams from both WSL 2 and nearer the top of our division and hopefully it will be a chance for a lot of youngsters to impress and play some games.
Aston Villa's Sherry McCue say her side are eyeing an upset
“We’re quite a young team anyway but we’re not going to take the competition lightly, Willie (Kerr) will play the team he believes will win the game.”
The format for the FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup remains similar to last season with three groups of six teams, but with slight tweaks.
The addition of a quarter-final stage gives greater opportunity for both FA WSL 1 and 2 teams to get their hands on the final remaining piece of silverware.
Aston Villa were paired with local rivals Birmingham City in Group Three, while Bristol, Notts County, Oxford United and Yeovil Town will also be vying for qualification to the knockout stages.
And Villa captain Sherry McCue is hoping to make a good start at Sutton Coldfield.
“The Villa girls love an upset – we will take the game as it comes and see what happens.”
Sherry McCue Aston Villa Ladies
“Every competition and cup that we play in, we expect to do as well as we possibly can,” said McCue.
“With Bristol as the first game, if we can get off to a good start, then we can kick off a good run.
“All the coaches analyse the games and give us feedback from them. I have not seen much of Bristol this season but we will be prepared for them.
“I don’t think there is much of a difference between any of the teams anymore.
"They are bottom of WSL 1 so there is nothing between us on the pitch and it will be up to who wants it more on the day.
“The Villa girls love an upset – we will take the game as it comes and see what happens. Hopefully we can get the right result.”
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