Preview: Sunderland (a).

Bristol City Women will kick off their 2026/27 WSL2 campaign with a trip to Sunderland on Sunday, September 6th (2pm).

After a challenging pre-season, facing the likes of FC Badalona, Birmingham City and Tottenham Hotspur, the Robins will be looking to claim all three points at the Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground as they did so in last season's 4-2 win.

City start the season with a boost too after captain Emily Syme signed a new two-year deal this summer alongside long standing servant Ella Powell, while Fran Bentley and Sophie Ingle both signed contract extensions.

Healy’s side has also been bolstered with seven new additions, with the likes of Brooke Aspin and Emma Bissell both returning to BS3. Signe Markvardsen who signed this week from HB Køge is in contention to make her league debut for City alongside Young Matilda Alexia Aposotlakis and Finnish International Lotta Lindström.

Our opponents: Sunderland

Sunday’s hosts Sunderland begin what they’re calling a ‘new era’ this weekend following Bay Collective’s acquisition of a majority stake in the club, which was officially confirmed at the back end of last season

After an eighth-place finish last season, Melanie Reay has added ten new faces to her ranks this summer.

Elise Hughes, Tara Bourne, Fran Stenson, Noa Schumacher, Atlanta Primus, Sanni Franssi, Lily Dent, Kassandra Missipo, Tess Laplacette and Ria Bose have all joined the Club, while nine signed contract extensions and three penned their first professional contracts.

The Black Cats come into the game having rounded off their pre-season preparations on Saturday with a 2-0 win over WSL opposition Leicester.

Sunderland profile

Founded: 1989

Stadium: Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground

Nickname: The Lasses/The Black Cats

Manager: Mel Reay

Finish last season: 8th

Match details

When: Sunday, September 6th

Where: Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground

Competition: WSL2

Referee: Callum Parke

Assistants: Broghan Kelly & Lucy-Anne Mccann

Fourth Official: Richard Aspinall

ONE TO WATCH - KATY WATSON

The 20-year-old joined Sunderland’s pathway system aged nine and has since developed into one of the most highly rated attackers in the league, with 17 goals in 105 appearances for the Black Cats since making her senior debut in 2022 against Birmingham City.

Known for her direct style of play and speed, Watson has delivered a series of standout performances in recent seasons.

Watson’s impressive form earned her the North East Football Writers’ Association Women’s Young Player of the Year award in both 2023 and 2025.

Following a standout campaign, she was recently named the Club’s 2025-2026 Young Player of the Year after registering 11 goal contributions across all competitions.

Watson signed a two-year contract extension this summer.