Ipswich Town Women look to progress in the FA Cup as they face Charlton Athletic at home this afternoon (1pm). Ross Halls previews the game.

Joe Sheehan's side switch their focus to cup action after they lost 1-0 at home to Oxford United in the league to start 2024. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Ipswich Town Women beat Lewes 3-0 in the previous round. Ipswich Town Women beat Lewes 3-0 in the previous round. (Image: Ross Halls)

The Tractor Girls face a Championship side who are second in the table, with only goal difference separating themselves and Birmingham City on top.

Karen Hills’ side are unbeaten in eight games, including their 6-0 win over Bournemouth in this competition to progress last month. 

Town have already beaten a second-tier side in Lewes. The Blues won 3-0 at home thanks to goals from Kyra Robertson, Lenna Gunning-Williams, and Ruby Doe to progress to the fourth round. 

The two sides last met in pre-season as Town came from behind to draw 2-2 with Charlton but have also faced in each in this competition before when the Addicks beat  Town 5-2 after extra-time in 2018. 

The Addicks have a former Town player in their ranks in Freya Godfrey, who scored eight goals in 16 appearances during her loan spell from Arsenal last season. 

Town loan goalkeeper Poppy Soper is ineligible to face her parent club. The game is being played at AGL Arena in Felixstowe, with kick-off set for 1pm. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Megan Wearing and Nina Meollo pictured during pre-season.Megan Wearing and Nina Meollo pictured during pre-season. (Image: Ross Halls)

In other news, defender Megan Wearing is set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering two stress fractures in her back.

Goalkeeper Nina Meollo has also been recalled from her loan at Cambridge City.

The 19-year-old enjoyed a successful spell in Cambridgeshire during the first half of the season, making 13 appearances for the Lilywhites while also being named Player of the Match on 10 occasions.

Meollo is expected to be named in the squad for today's game.