Aston Villa host Chelsea in Sunday’s Women’s FA Cup semi-final fixture at the Bescot Stadium. Here’s the latest heading into the all-important tie…
THE BUILD UP
Carla Ward’s team gear-up to face Emma Hayes’ Chelsea for the second time in a fortnight for a place in this year’s FA Cup final. The two sides faced each other in the WSL before the international break and it was the West-London outfit who were victorious on the night, coming away 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Jelena Cankovic, Guro Reiten and Sam Kerr.
Villa will hope they can get revenge and overcome the odds again in this round, following their dramatic extra-time victory over Manchester City in the quarters. Rachel Corsie gave the hosts the lead at the Bescot, heading home Lucy Staniforth’s out-swinging corner – with help on its way from City’s Esme Morgan – in the 20th minute. Deyna Castellanos would reply before the break, however, nodding Lauren Hemp’s cross past a helpless Hannah Hampton.
The away side would dominate possession in the second half and were denied on several occasions by an on-fire Hampton before the tie entered extra-time. As penalties loomed, up stepped the inevitable Rachel Daly who converted a rebound in the 97th minute. The Villans showed resilience and fight to hold on despite late City pressure and deservedly reached their first ever Women’s FA Cup semi-final.
Chelsea overcame Reading last time out in the Cup. England international Jess Carter opened the scoring in the 23rd minute at the Madejski Stadium, tapping home Reiten’s back-post cross. The Blues extended their lead minutes later when midfielder Maren Mjelde converted from the penalty spot, sending Reading ‘keeper Grace Moloney the wrong way from 12-yards.
Hayes’ side added a third just after the break. A defence-splitting ball through from Johanna Rytting Kaneryd left Alsu Abdullina through on goal; the Russian full-back squared it to Reiten who couldn’t miss from inside the box. Kelly Chambers’ Reading added a consolation in the 70th minute as Sanne Troelsgaard beat Millie Bright to the ball before firing past Zecira Musovic. The Royals were rightfully knocked out and The Blues sailed through to the semis as a result.
Manchester United and Brighton face off in the other semi-final. Wembley awaits the winner of Sunday’s big game – who will come out on top?
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TEAM NEWS
ASTON VILLA
Defender Rachel Corsie is a major doubt for Sunday’s game at the Bescot Stadium. The Scottish international suffered a knee injury during the previous round’s test against Manchester City and required small surgery to overcome the issue.
In a statement, the club announced: “Rachel will be monitored by the club’s medical staff in the hopes of returning to training as soon as possible.”
Full-backs Sarah Mayling and Evie Rabjohn are expected to return to the match-day squad, however. Mayling missed the previous encounter with Chelsea, as well as the penultimate game against Leicester, with a knee injury. Rabjohn, meanwhile, was unavailable with an ankle concern. Lucy Staniforth stepped in at right-back in their place.
The defensive duo’s recovery has been helped by an international period, allowing time for the pair to rest and nurse their respective problems. Several teammates were involved during the international break and (thankfully) came away unscathed – no fresh injuries have emerged.
Ruesha Littlejohn made her playing return last time out, replacing Alisha Lehmann in the 68th minute against Chelsea. The 32-year-old midfielder also appeared in both of Ireland’s games against the USA and is among those who could feature this weekend.
Remi Allen and Tasha Harding remain out as Villa’s long-term absentees, whilst Emily Gielnik could return having missed the last three fixtures and the Australia camp through injury.
CHELSEA
Defender Millie Bright is expected to miss this weekend’s crucial clash in Walsall. The number four withdrew from The Lionesses squad late last month after sustaining an injury during Chelsea’s UEFA Women’s Champions League first leg fixture against Lyon.
The West-London club announced that: “an update on Millie’s condition will be provided in due course.”
Fellow centre-half Kadeisha Buchanan pulled out of the recent Canada camp with an injury and may be unavailable for Sunday’s trip to the Bescot. The number 26 is being closely monitored by The Blues’ medical staff but if deemed unfit, Emma Hayes’ faces major selection problems at the back.
Also unavailable for the current WSL champions are trio Pernille Harder (hamstring), Fran Kirby (knee) and Katerina Svitkova (knee).
Elsewhere, Sam Kerr, despite limping off during Australia’s 2-0 victory over England on Tuesday night, has confirmed that she will be available for the big game this Sunday. On her withdrawal at the Gtech Community Stadium, she said: “I’ve jarred my knee a little bit, but I’ll be ready for Villa on Sunday.”
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PREDICTED LINE-UP
Let’s take a look at my predicted line-up for this upcoming fixture…
Do you agree? Who makes your side? Share yours now and let’s discuss?
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AUTHOR | LIAM DAVIES
Author’s UTV PODCAST archive Liam Davies – UTV Podcast | An Aston Villa Blog
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