Albion head coach Hope Powell admits they can afford to play with freedom knowing they cannot be relegated as they prepare to host Bristol City in the FA Cup fourth round tomorrow afternoon (2pm).

The Seagulls sit sixth in the WSL and 14 points clear of the drop with three league games to go this season, meaning they cannot go down.

They face Bristol City, who sit 11th in the table and are only one point clear of the drop.

But Powell knows Albion can go out and enjoy playing their football.

She said: “The nice position now is that we can play without pressure, even though it is a cup game we can play without that threat of relegation which we have had certainly in our first year, probably last year even though the season was curtailed as we were there or thereabouts.

“But this year we are a little bit more comfortable.

“So it is about having serious fun if that makes sense. We still want to play properly we can be serious but can really enjoy it.

“Overall, a little bit of that pressure is just lifted isn’t it.

“Now if you are where some the clubs are in the league, with the cup game their eye is focused on the fact they have got to stay in the league, that then just adds a bit of pressure.

“Bristol have got to make sure their players don’t get injured because they have got big league games coming up.

“So, I would argue the pressure would be on them more than it is on us, so we can play with a little bit more freedom.”

Despite knowing they can play with more freedom, Albion will be low on numbers.

That is because they have had seven players who were away on international and only returned to training yesterday, meaning Powell will have to manage her squad.

She said: “No (we haven’t got a fully fit squad) I am not going to tell you who, but with the international break some players have come back with issues.

“But we just have to manage that’s why you have a squad of players, so yes we are a little bit light, but we will deal with that and just get on with it.”

One player who is on a season-long loan at Bristol City from Albion is Laura Rafferty.

The 24-year-old defender missed the whole of last season due to a knee ligament injury.

After having to bide her time, she has started two of their last six games.

Her form for Bristol City has seen her work her way back into the Northern Ireland squad during the last international break and she helped them qualify for the Euros.

But Powell was delighted that Rafferty has been able to get back to playing regularly after a tough time.

She said: “She had a few setbacks with the injury.

“Anyone who knows or has had an ACL injury will know that the recovery is different for different people.

“So she has had a few setbacks, which is why we thought it was important she goes out on loan and plays regularly.

“We knew it would take a bit of time, but she is enjoying it, playing well, and has got back in the Northern Ireland team.

“I think it is fantastic for them and I am so pleased that they qualified and so pleased for her that she qualified. But what an achievement for them.”

Albion know the problems that Bristol can cause despite having not won any of their last seven games.

In the previous meeting in January, Bristol City won 3-0 and Powell knows they cannot afford to take them lightly.

She said: “They have got some real quality and they have shown that not just in the game against us, but in other games where they have picked up points.”