Aston Villa Women face arguably their toughest test yet in their unbeaten eight-game run when they face Champions League semi-finalists Chelsea at the Bescot on Sunday evening. A challenge you feel this exciting side will be relishing: let’s dive into the latest news…
THE BUILD UP
After a landslide win over Leicester City in front of 6,489 supporters at Villa Park, the Poundland Bescot Stadium is bracing itself for a record crowd when Aston Villa Women take on Champions Chelsea in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
It’s been a super positive week following the emphatic 5-0 win against Leicester City, as Aston Villa Women received a trio of nominations from the Barclays Women’s Super League.
Up for awards this month are Carla Ward: Manager of the Month, and a double for in-form striker Rachel Daly: Player and Goal of the Month.
Daly was also called up to Sarina Wiegman’s 25-player Lionesses’ squad for games against Brazil and Australia alongside fellow Villa players Jordan Nobbs and a resurgent Hannah Hampton.
Internationally, Kenza Dali was called up to the Γquipe de France FΓ©minine’s latest squad; Dali reached a landmark of 50 “sΓ©lections” in international colours in the previous international break and will look to continue her fine form on the international stage, and Ruesha Littlejohn, set to return from injury, has been selected for Ireland.
As for Chelsea, Emma Hayes’ side is in the midst of an exciting four-way battle at the top of the WSL; Chelsea is in third place, a point off top spot with a game in hand.
On Thursday night, they dramatically sealed their place in the Champions League semi-final by defeating Lyon FΓ©minin on penalties after equalising deep into injury time, 8 minutes deep in fact! More than 5,000 tickets have already been sold for their clash against Barcelona after going on sale Friday afternoon.
It emphasises the enthusiastic support that women’s football has received in the last year as the sport grows from strength to strength. With six games remaining, the Barclays WSL reported that 500,000 supporters have attended matches this season, setting a new record. Incredible.
Returning to the Women’s Super League, Chelsea experienced a blow over the weekend when we were defeated 2-0 away at Manchester City, only their second defeat in all domestic competitions since the start of the season.
Chelsea won the first meeting between the two teams earlier this season at Kingsmeadow, 3-1. Rachel Daly equalised for Villa either side of a Lauren James brace, and Sam Kerr secured the victory.
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TEAM NEWS
ASTON VILLA
Following Rachel Corsie’s absence from the game against Leicester City, it was confirmed she is set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury during our Vitality Women’s FA Cup win over Manchester City.
Carla Ward confirmed on Friday that Sarah Mayling will likely be missing again this weekend but hinted that a return could be likely when the two sides meet again in two weeks time.
Ruesha Littlejohn is likely to make her comeback to the match-day squad after missing the previous two.
Remi Allen and Simone Magill are making good progress in their rehabilitation, while Meaghan Sargeant and Natasha Harding are still out with long-term injuries.
CHELSEA
Chelsea confirmed that defender Millie Bright, who is ruled out of the game through injury, has also been withdrawn from the England squad ahead of the Lionesses’ upcoming camp.
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PREDICTED LINE-UP
Letβs take a look at Ryanβs predicted line-up for this upcoming fixtureβ¦
Do you agree? Who makes your side? Share yours now and let’s discuss?
Thank you for reading: any likes, retweets, or shares on the social media post where you found this article would be highly appreciated.
Thumbnail Media Credit: www.avfc.co.uk
PLAYER FOCUS | KENZA DALI
AUTHOR | RYAN MCKEOWN
Authorβs UTV PODCAST archive Ryan Mckeown – UTV Podcast | An Aston Villa Blog
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VILLA BELLAS
Villa Bellas is the Official AVFC Womenβs Network. In an unequal and often unrelenting world we work to break down barriers for equality.
Our network aims to raise the voice of women and non-binary people at @AVFCOfficial We support inclusion & diversity and with our allies, we can challenge sexism and misogyny, creating a safe and welcoming environment for the fans in the stands and the women on the pitch.
Let’s celebrate ourselves and champion each other while having fun doing it!
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