Steve Kirby has stated that despite expecting a “really tough game”, he sees Bristol City Women’s FA Cup tie against Arsenal as an “opportunity to progress.”

The Robins travel to Meadow Park on Sunday to take on the Gunners, who currently sit third in the Women’s Super League.

Speaking ahead of the game, the City boss acknowledged how much of a challenge the 14-time FA Cup winners will pose but insisted that his side are there to compete for a place in the fifth round.

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“We’re expecting it to be a very tough game, obviously they’re top-level opponents that we know can play really well and on their day are one of the best teams in Europe,” he admitted, “But make no mistake, we will be looking at it also as an opportunity to progress.

“We won't be going there to make up the numbers or just be a supporting part; we'll be going to try and win the game.

“If we do what we do to the best of our ability, we will stand a good chance against any team.”

The Robins face an Arsenal team who are unbeaten under interim head coach Renée Slegers, with ten wins from eleven games in all competitions.

Discussing the impact that Slegers has had on the Gunners over recent months, Kirby declared: “I think the huge difference in the work that I've seen, especially since Renée has taken over, is the confidence in the team. They’ve got a selection of fantastic players, but they are [now] players who are confident and playing well.

“But we also know that they're not perfect and they're not invincible, there's holes and gaps in their game that we feel that we can exploit. But be under no illusions – it will be a really tough game, and we'll have to be at our best.”

Kirby will be without at least one of his starters from the 5-0 win over Durham back in December, with young wing-back Mari Ward ruled out until “later on in January at the earliest” as a result of the ankle injury she sustained early on in that game, while Sille Struck is also a doubt for this weekend due to illness.

Greta Humphries and Maddy Earl are also no longer available for selection after being recalled from loan by their respective clubs, though the latter could make an appearance on Sunday for Arsenal. However, new signings Jess Simpson and Lia O’Leary will be involved in the matchday squad for the first time since joining the club this week.

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