As the Lasses prepare to play London City Lionesses in the FA Cup, Roker Report sat down with Lionesses fan and Vlogger Nessy to get her thoughts on the fixture, what we can expect, and some predictions!
What are you expecting from the Lionesses against Sunderland?
I would expect a London City win, but it’s the cup and anything can happen.
Sunderland will be out to cause as much havoc as possible and if given half a chance, I’m sure Grace Moloney would love to make a vital save against her old team.
The Lionesses can’t underestimate Sunderland but with the game last week against Durham postponed, I’m hoping they’re a bit rusty.
How do you feel about the team’s recent performances going into this fixture?
London City haven’t won in their last three games, haven’t scored in their last three games and looked less than impressive against Liverpool in the WSL last week.
The sacking of Jocelyn Prechêur was a shock to us fans and I’m sure the players feel the same. They haven’t had much time under Eder Maestre and he didn’t seem happy at all after last weekend.
They need to make the most of their chances in front of goal — it didn’t help that Izzy Goodwin didn’t start but there really isn’t anyone else in the team with a killer instinct in front of goal.
Do you think the squad will be rotated for the cup or at full strength?
I think Mastre will play who he thinks the starting eleven should be.
No disrespect to Sunderland at all — I think he will believe the Lionesses should beat Sunderland but he doesn’t know how good the Champ is…OK, WSL2 — the best league in the world!
I think he’ll use it to try and hone how he wants the Lionesses to play, especially as they’ll face Manchester City at home the following week. They can’t afford to rotate and I’m sure Sunderland would want to face the best players they can — whether it’s the Lionesses or any other team.
Which players do you think will be the biggest difference‑makers?
The obvious one is Asllani, but she was quiet last winter and didn’t really spring into action until the final minute free kick against Charlton in March. After that, she was a lot better.
I think Jana Fernandez and Freya Godfrey playing down the right are great — Freya sparks every time she’s on the pitch.
Who’s been your standout player so far this season?
I’ve really enjoyed watching Freya and Jana play, whilst Wassa Sangare has been a revelation on loan from Lyon.
As a stand out, Elene Linari has been quite the leader. She took the ball and scored the penalty against Liverpool at home when Asllani had left the pitch and was never going to miss it, and I’m really enjoying how she uses her social platform to highlight social issues she supports.
It’s always great to know that players can use their platform for good and when you cheer for a team or players, that they seem to have the same moral compass as you.
Which player do you think Sunderland will struggle most to deal with?
Not just Sunderland, but if she’s fit again, Izzy Goodwin, as she’s tall, has long strides and isn’t afraid of hard work on the pitch.
Even though she’s amazing in front of goal, she can be easily found in her own half fighting for the ball. She scored from a header the last time the sides met in 2025.
What makes supporting London City Lionesses special for you?
London City became a home away from home for me.
I’m Irish and grew up a Liverpool fan but I was living a train ride away from Prince’s Park in South East London. I loved heading over to Dartford and the little community that was built there.
The end of the 2023/2024 season was something I will never forget. The team was facing relegation but Remi Allen came in, the team went on a run of wins and the camaraderie and unity was amazing.
How do you feel the club has grown over the last season or so?
Obviously the club needed investment.
All women’s clubs do and while there were fantastic celebrations when the Lionesses gained promotion, it was also a time when the club firmly became a commercial venture.
It was really hard to see so many players who’d taken us to the WSL leave, but it’s amazing to see World Cup winners and Champions League winners play for the club.
It’s ruthless and we experienced that when Prechêur was sacked just before Christmas — a lovely man who always had time for us fans and made history bringing us to the WSL.
I think when you see a small or young club gain so much investment and player growth in a short time, it’s sometimes hard to look at it like it’s the same club that was in Dartford. It’s different now.
Which player would you trust most to score a last‑minute winner?
Ooh, that’s tough, especially as none of the players have had their shooting boots on lately.
Am I allowed two? Izzy goes for the goal and if she misses, Freya’s there with the follow up!
What’s your prediction for the scoreline?
I think it’ll be 1-3.
Goodwin, Parris and Geyero with her first goal.
