Arsenal host Bristol City in the fifth round of the Women’s FA Cup as the Gunners look to continue their strong run of form and push one step closer to Wembley. With squad updates, international call-ups and tactical adjustments shaping both teams, this fixture promises an intriguing battle between a title contender and an ambitious underdog.
The previous meeting between Arsenal and Bristol City ended in a convincing 5–0 victory for the Gunners, underlining the gap between the sides. However, cup competitions often deliver surprises, and with key players unavailable and defensive strategies expected, this Women’s FA Cup tie could present a different tactical challenge.
Here is the full Arsenal vs. Bristol City preview, including team news, predicted lineups and key stats ahead of kickoff.
Match Preview Quick Info:
- 🗓 Date: 22 february 2026
- 🏟 Stadium: Meadow Park
- ⏰ Kick-off: 13:00 GMT
- 📺 Watch: The match is not selected for tv broadcast.
Arsenal vs. Bristol City Preview: Team News & Possible Lineups
Arsenal face Bristol City in the Women’s FA Cup as both sides look to progress to the next round of the competition. With squad rotation, injuries and international commitments playing a role, here is the latest team news and predicted lineups ahead of the match.
The predicted lineups for Arsenal vs Bristol City are based on recent performances, player availability and tactical trends from previous matchdays.
Team News Arsenal
As the match will not be broadcast, Renée Slegers is not required to hold a pre-match press conference. Instead, we looked at her most recent update ahead of the Women’s Champions League fixture against OH Leuven.
Slegers confirmed that Taylor Hinds is available for limited minutes and progressing well in her recovery. Anneke Borbe has returned to full training sessions. The only player unavailable for the previous match against OH Leuven was Kyra Cooney-Cross, who missed out due to illness.
Following this Women’s FA Cup tie, Steph Catley, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Caitlin Foord will travel to join the Australia national team for the upcoming Women’s Asian Cup.
What the coach has to say
Renée Slegers on the current form of Arsenal Women:
“I think we’re playing really good football at the moment, and so many players are doing so well, and we are playing the Arsenal way, regardless of who’s on the pitch, and we do it for full games. It’s been a work in progress, of course. We’re really happy we’re in this place, and, again, the challenge is to stay here. But a lot of it is about clarity, presence, being in the moment, and doing your task and doing all your actions on the pitch, making choices on the pitch consistently in a good way, and I think the players are there at the moment.”
Team News Bristol City
Jessie Gale, currently on loan at Bristol City from Arsenal, will be ineligible to face her parent club in this fixture.
Head coach Charlotte Healy confirmed that several players are managing minor injuries, with late fitness tests expected before kickoff. She acknowledged that the squad is slightly thinner than usual but stated that Bristol City will not approach the game conservatively with the WSL 2 campaign in mind.
Healy also confirmed that the team is likely to adopt a more defensive setup compared to their usual league approach.
What the coach has to say
Bristol City head coach Charlotte Healy spoke to the media ahead of the match against the Gunners:
“I think it’s an opportunity and I think that’s how we have to view it. We know how good Arsenal are. They are the best team in the world. We know that. We know the challenges that lie ahead of us. For us it’s really important that we show the best of us and we find our own measures of success in this game.
“Of course we want to win the game, but we are realistic of the challenges that Arsenal are going to pose. We will try our best to apply a game plan that gives us the best chance to win the game.”
The head coach said that not having Jessie Gale available is a huge loss, and that the team will be set up more defensively than that they would be in the WSL 2.
Arsenal vs. Bristol City Lineups
Potential Arsenal Women Lineups (updated prior to the match)
- Borbe
- Fox
- Catley
- Williamson
- McCabe
- Pelova
- Maanum
- Caldentey
- Kelly
- Russo
- Foord
Potential Bristol City Women Lineups (updated prior to the match)
- Bentley
- Powell
- Struck
- Woś
- Ward
- Losada
- Ingle
- Robinson
- Lloyd-Smith
- Syme
- Morgan
Arsenal vs. Bristol City: Previous Meetings & Stats
Arsenal and Bristol City first met in 2012 in what is now known as the Women’s Super League. Since then, the two sides have faced each other regularly across domestic competitions, including the Women’s League Cup and, more recently, the Women’s FA Cup.
Between 2012 and 2019, the Gunners won eight of their thirteen league meetings against Bristol City. Their most recent encounter came in 2025, when Arsenal secured a dominant 5–0 victory.
Stina Blackstenius opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, with Frida Maanum doubling the lead just four minutes later. Blackstenius added her second before the break, while Beth Mead made it 4–0 before half-time. Mead completed the scoring in the second half to seal an emphatic win.
Recent Form
Arsenal enter this Women’s FA Cup tie in strong form. Their last defeat came against Manchester United in the Women’s League Cup last month, but they have since recorded impressive victories over Chelsea, Manchester City and OH Leuven (twice).
Bristol City, meanwhile, have struggled for consistency. They have lost their last two matches against Crystal Palace and Southampton and were held to a 1–1 draw by Ipswich Town in recent weeks.
With their head-to-head record and current form favouring Arsenal, Bristol City face a difficult challenge. However, cup competitions often produce surprises — and the fifth round of the Women’s FA Cup could be no exception.
| Head-to-Head Streaks | ||
 | Wins | 11 |
| No losses | 16 |
 | No clean sheet | 16 |
| | Over 2.5 goals | 10/10 |
| First to score | 5/5 |
| First half winner | 8/10 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Women’s FA Cup Arsenal vs. Bristol City?
Arsenal vs. Bristol City has not been selected for a televised broadcast. This means fans cannot watch the game.
If you’re considering to use a VPN service when watching women’s football: We recommend NordVPN, it isn’t free, but it’s safe and cheaper than juggling multiple subscriptions that may still only cover part of the schedule.
When was the last meeting between Arsenal vs. Bristol City?
The last meeting was on the 29th of januari in 2025. Arsenal secured a 5-0 win, thanks to goals from Frida Maanum, Stina Blackstenius (2) and Beth Mead (2).
What is Arsenal vs. Bristol City kick-off time?
Arsenal vs. Bristol City kicks off on Sunday, February 22, at 13:00 GMT at Meadow Park.
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