Talking Tactics: How WSL strugglers Bristol City can change their fortunes

Bristol City are enduring a difficult season in the Women's Super League.

The Robins have won just one of their 12 games and most recently fell to a 2-1 defeat against fellow strugglers West Ham.

That result left them three points adrift at the bottom of the table with a meagre five points on the board.

Ahead of their trip to Aston Villa, we consider how manager Lauren Smith can turn the club's fortunes around.

Highs and lows

Smith was named the LMA Championship Manager of the Season last May after leading Bristol City to the Championship title.

Optimism was high ahead of their return to the WSL but the step up in quality has so far proved too much.

Their solitary win this term came in early November at West Ham, a result which suggested a potential upturn in form.

But a dismal run since then — and losing to the Hammers last weekend — has left City staring relegation in the face.

The Robins have conceded the most goals in the division (31) and have not kept a single clean sheet.

Chance creation is also an issue — their xG of 9.6 is the lowest in the WSL despite scoring 13 times.

Smith must find a way of tightening things up at the back and making her team more productive in attack, though that is far easier said than done.

No panic

One positive for City is that there are still 10 games of the season remaining.

Smith said: "You've got to remember that this is still the start of the second half of the season. We're only just into the second set of games.

"At this stage of the season, there's still time, there's no need to panic and I think there is time on our side which is great.

"One or two wins could pull you away but the fact is there is still time. We know we're fighting every weekend."

The Robins' poor first half of the campaign will be a concern — but even after suffering defeat to nearest rivals West Ham, they remain within three points of safety.

Learning from previous results and making the necessary tactical adjustments before it is too late will be crucial.

Influential individuals

Smith will also know the importance of getting the best out of her side's key players.

Striker Abi Harrison, who has now been at the club for over five years, has only scored once in eight appearances after a return of nine goals last season and 21 the year before.

Amalie Thestrup, meanwhile, has shown her quality with six strikes after a summer move from PSV.

The Dane is comfortably City's top scorer and the hope will be for some match-winning displays from her between now and May.

While the Robins have limited resources and are underdogs against most WSL opposition, avoiding relegation is not out of the question.