Bleazard had a successful playing career in the WSL, featuring for Bristol Academy and Chelsea in the top flight.
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She played in two FA Cup finals in successive seasons, one for each club, and was on the losing side in both.
Now, Bleazard is faced with a big test early on in her managerial career, as WSL leaders City visit the tier three Cherries.
Head Coach Helen Bleazard. (Image: Richard Crease)
“It's the magic of the FA Cup,” Bleazard said, looking ahead to Sunday’s game.
“And it's one of the first games in a long, long time that we've been the underdog.
“We know that does naturally change the game. We know that as a possession team, we would like a lot of the ball and we're not going to get that in this game, and we're realistic with that fact.
“But it's quality over quantity this week and making sure that when we have the ball, we make the right decision and we utilise our squad to that effect.
“But there's no pressure on us. It's all pressure on them.
“They're the WSL1 side and we're the underdog, just like the teams playing against us in the previous rounds were.
“So, yeah, all we can say is we're really excited for that opportunity. And the magic of the FA Cup might do us a favour on Sunday.”
Helen Bleazard (Image: AFC Bournemouth)
While City play two tiers above the Cherries, Bleazard said it is a fantastic opportunity for the side to show what they can do against a WSL side and demonstrate what they are capable of.
“I've played in two FA Cup finals and I've played with Laura Coombs, who plays for them,” she said.
“She was my teammate at Chelsea, so I know the standards of those girls.
“But what an opportunity for those girls to have the opportunity.
“Our ambitions are to get into the WSL, so why not test yourself against the best, literally the best team in the country and some of the best players in the world, to see where you're at and what you can do to improve.”