This Week's Opposition: Southampton FC Women

A closer look into Pompey's next challenge in the Barclays Women's Championship.

The Blues are still awaiting their first point this campaign after another away defeat to London City Lionesses last time out.

Jay Sadler’s side are heading to Fratton Park to take on their next opponent - South Coast rivals Southampton.

Let’s take a look into the side now…

MANAGER

Remi Allen is at the helm of the team.

Allen had a 16-year playing career with experience across the Women’s Super League and Championship, most recently playing at Aston Villa and Birmingham City.

She was appointed in her first full-time head coach role at the end of last season with fellow Barclays Women’s Championship side London City Lionesses. The 33-year old succeeded in lifting London City out of a relegation battle.

Allen had also spent time at International level as an assistant coach for England Women’s Under-23s as part of the England's Elite Coach Programme.

She joined the club this season as their new head coach.

ONE TO WATCH

Our one to watch this time out is number 11, Rachel Rowe.

Rowe began her senior career with Cardiff City before joining Swansea City in 2013. After 2 seasons, she joined Reading in 2015, where she turned professional later the same year after helping the club win promotion to the Women’s Super League.

Throughout her 8 years at Reading she spent 7 of those in England's top flight, scoring 18 goals for the Royals in that timeframe.

Rowe arrived at the club after a short spell at Rangers and has registered 3 assists in the opening 4 games so far this campaign.

TOP SCORER

The current top goalscorer is Rianna Dean.

The Arsenal academy player started her professional career at London City. 

The forward also played for Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Crystal Palace before joining Southampton ahead of their second season in the Championship.

Whilst at Tottenham, she scored 6 goals in 3 games including a hat-trick against her former club London City, which rewarded her with the FA Women’s Championship Player of the Month.

Dean has also been capped by England at various youth levels including Under-17s, 19s and 21s.

The number 9 has netted 3 goals so far this season.

CURRENT FORM

Allen’s side currently sit in 5th after picking up 2 victories, 1 draw and 1 defeat from their opening 4 games. Their most recent result was a 2-0 win over Sheffield United, who have 0 points on the board.

Last time out between these 2 sides, Pompey were defeated 2-1 in The Women’s FA Cup Third Round last December at Westleigh Park.

Can the Blues get their first win of the season in the South Coast Derby at Fratton Park?

Catch all of the unmissable action on Pompey Live with George Wedlake, Henry Deacon and Kirsty Roxanne from 1pm on Sunday the 13th of October.

Kick-off: 2pm!