Despite only scoring once in seven WSL 1 games this term, Birmingham defender Aoife Mannion believes the floodgates will soon open at Solihull Moors.
Though the Blues have been solid at the back, they are still chasing their first win of The FA Women’s Super League.
They take on second-placed Arsenal in front of the BT Sport cameras from 5.30pm on Sunday, bidding to breach a defence that conceded only three times before last weekend’s loss to Liverpool.
Birmingham City v Arsenal
FA Women's Super League with BT Sport 1
6pm, Sunday 19 July
Solihull Motors FC
Live on BT Sport
Click here for tickets
But Mannion is confident the goals will soon start flying in, particularly with England star Karen Carney back to lead the line.
“The goals will look after themselves if we are playing well enough,” said Mannion.
“We had injuries in the first half of the season, but it gives great confidence knowing players will slot straight back in the team.
“Last year Kaz Carney was our top goalscorer and Chelsea Weston got lots of assists, but they have both not played much so far.
“So I think the goals will take care of themselves, our main focus is on being hard to beat.
Arsenal Ladies forward Danielle Carter
“Arsenal were unbeaten until last weekend, so we know we are in for a tough game. And because of the cameras you have to make sure your preparation is on point and you don’t get caught up in the occasion of it all.”
Arsenal were hanging on Chelsea’s coat-tails at the top of the WSL 1 table, until surrendering their unbeaten record at home to Liverpool as the FA WSL returned from the World Cup break.
It leaves them five points behind the FA Women’s Cup finalists at the summit heading into the weekend, but striker Danielle Carter believes their title challenge has only briefly stalled.
“We will concentrate on our own game and make sure we get our tactics right”
Danielle Carter Arsenal Ladies
“We have just got to keep playing the way we are playing and I am sure that come the end of the season we will be up there and in with a shout,” said the 22-year-old.
“Chelsea and Notts County are right up there with us and there are quite a few teams near the top.
“Anything can happen and the league rankings don’t mean anything right now.
"We don’t change the way we approach games – this is just another game and we will concentrate on our own game and make sure we get our tactics right.
“I don’t think Birmingham have got the results they have wanted so far, but it is a fresh start after the break and a clean slate for the second part of the season.”
Arsenal travel to Birmingham on Sunday 19 July. Click here for ticket and travel information.
