Aston Villa host Manchester United in the Women’s Super League this week. Here’s the latest heading into Friday night’s game…
THE BUILD UP
Carla Ward’s Aston Villa face another tough test this week as they welcome Marc Skinner’s table-topping Manchester United to the Bescot Stadium. With just four games to go this campaign, Villa sit fifth in the division on 30 points, whilst United are first on 44.
It was goals galore last time out for the Villans, as Ward’s side drew 3-3 with Vicky Jepson’s Tottenham Hotspur away from home. The claret and blue outfit went two goals up after 21 minutes thanks to Kirsty Hanson’s opener and Rachel Daly’s 14th of the season. Evelina Summanen would find a goal back just six minutes later before levelling the game just after half-time for her brace. Spurs would then lead the match in the 59th minute after Beth England converted from close range, before Daly would bag her second of the game with five minutes to go in a enthralling encounter at Brisbane Road.
As for this week’s opponents Manchester United, they were able to get the better of title rivals Arsenal by a goal to nil at Leigh Sports Village last Wednesday. In a game of fine margins, Alessia Russo was the difference-maker, finishing Nikita Paris’ pull-back on the brink of half-time. The Red Devils sit three points clear of rivals Manchester City at the top of the table, as a result.
When these two sides met at Old Trafford in December, Skinner’s side came away 5-0 winners, courtesy of goals from Katie Zelem, Leah Galton, Alessia Russo, Ona Batlle and Rachel Williams. The scoreline did not tell the full story however, as Villa had their chances throughout the 90 minutes.
Can Carla Ward’s side get revenge this Friday or will Marc Skinner’s side complete a league-double over the West-Midlands outfit and go even further at the top of the WSL?
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TEAM NEWS
ASTON VILLA
Aston Villa winger Kirsty Hanson is unavailable for this week’s encounter with Manchester United. The Scottish number 20 is on loan from this week’s opponents and is therefore ineligible to play.
Defensive duo Evie Rabjohn and Rachel Corsie are also expected to miss this week’s big game. Rabjohn has missed the last two games, whilst Corsie suffered a knee injury during the Women’s FA Cup quarterfinal victory over Manchester City.
Elsewhere, Freya Gregory unexpectedly missed the previous fixture against Tottenham and is therefore a doubt for Friday, whilst Emily Gielnik’s condition remains unknown having missed the last five games through injury.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Manchester United defender Maria ThorisdΓ³ttir will miss the remainder of the WSL season due to a long-term mid-foot injury sustained last month.
The club announced at the end of March that: “Maria will be working with our medical team on her rehabilitation, and we look forward to seeing her back in red again very soon.”
Aside from ThorisdΓ³ttir, United have no more injuries concerns or suspensions heading into Friday’s game. Skinner has a full squad, consisting of the likes of Maya Le Tissier, Ella Toone and Mary Earps, to take with him to the Bescot.
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PREDICTED LINE-UP
Letβs take a look at my predicted line-up for this upcoming fixtureβ¦
Do you agree? Who makes your side? Share yours now and let’s discuss?
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Thumbnail Media Credit: www.avfc.co.uk
AUTHOR | LIAM DAVIES
Authorβs UTV PODCAST archive Liam Davies – UTV Podcast | An Aston Villa Blog
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