City face the Vixens at the Robins High Performance Centre on Sunday 26 February, with kick-off scheduled for 14:00 (UK).
It represents our first fixture since the end of the international break across the past two weeks – a period where neither the Jamaica striker nor the England defender linked up with their national teams.
Shaw had featured up until the pause in play, with Taylor explaining logistics prevented her from representing Jamaica, whereas Morgan was sidelined through injury, which had also kept her out of our past five matches.
But Taylor is optimistic with their chances of featuring against Bristol City this weekend.
“Bunny is fine,” he said.
“I think it was just a case of the logistic side of it and what was probably better for her on this occasion. The fact they haven’t qualified for the World Cup, Bunny’s okay.
“There are a few little niggles flying around just in terms of a little bit of flu here and there a few head colds. There’s nothing too serious.
“Hopefully we get to see Esme this weekend. She’s very close, I would say. She’s back in training with us fingers crossed she’ll be there this weekend.”
The fixture with the Vixens will be our second in as many months, after our 6-0 Continental Cup victory over Lauren Smith’s side in January 2023.
Despite the strong scoreline last time we met at Ashton Gate, Taylor is expecting another tough encounter on the road.
He added: “There will be some differences for sure. I think that inside knowledge of teams can help at times. Or prepare you for what you expect to see.
“Obviously dIfferent venue, playing at their training ground instead of Ashton Gate will be different in itself. I’m pretty confident with the players we have, and the players available.
“The quality we’re showing at the moment we will see a good version of ourselves. Sometimes after the international break, a couple of days training.
“I’ve spoken about the travel some of the players have been on. We have to travel four hours to Bristol. It’s about making sure we check in with the players to see if they feel ready, happy and hungry to play. It’s a game I’m looking forward to.
“It’s a good opportunity for us, we know we’re going to have to go down and earn the right to be in the next round. The FA Cup is a special competition and these are the games we really look forward to.”
