Wolves Women host West Ham United Women at the New Bucks Head, marking a first ever clash against WSL opposition for the old gold. Merrick has spoken highly of the FA Cup, suggesting this fixture in particular has given the players an opportunity to showcase themselves. And although the Hammers will go into the game as favourites, Merrick has insisted that Wolves will stick to their principles and be up for the fight.
On where the FA Cup ranks for her
“It’s up there. I always say when we enter any cup that I absolutely adore the cup, especially the FA Cup more than anything. It’s a massive game of tradition and to get a WSL club in any round is a great test and opportunity for us as a club.
“I’ve played against a few WSL clubs in my time and it certainly does rank up there.”
Good luck this weekend, @WolvesWomen!
— Wolves (@Wolves) January 25, 2023
We hope to see as many fans as possible supporting them on Sunday against WSL opposition!
🎟️👇
On creating memories in the cup
“I’ve had some great moments in the cup and equally some not-so-good moments in the cup. The fact that we’re playing a WSL club is great and I think if you prepare right and do the right things you can really have the opportunity to showcase yourselves.
“It’s important to not take it for granted, take it as it comes and just enjoy the moment. You’ve got to understand where you’re at when you play against these teams, and we’re up against a team full of internationals of all different qualities.
“It’s one of those where you’ve just got to want it and try and be better than them on the day. It’s a lottery and the FA Cup’s great. You see the upsets in the men’s game and that’s exactly what you want to replicate in the women’s game.”
On preparations ahead of the game
“The preparation won’t be any different. We’ll look at things in a slightly more different way to team we normally play. In terms of us, we’ve got an identity and we want to stick by it.
“I think Macca will be hammering that the same and we won’t take for granted the quality they have. We’ll maybe look to adapt ourselves a little bit, but preparations will be the same.”
On hoping for a bumper crowd
“It’s a great opportunity for fans to come and see us against a team who are a couple of leagues above us.
“It’s an opportunity for fans who haven’t seen that level of football yet to come and see it. It’s also an opportunity to see some great players on display from West Ham.
“We’d be wrong to say there aren’t some great players that even us as players will be watching and admiring.”
On what to expect on the day
“We want to make it as scrappy as possible and as awkward and as tough for them as possible.
“Hopefully in amongst that there will be some good quality football and a good twelfth man behind us.”
