Aston Villa host Tottenham Hotspur in game-week four of the 2023/24 Women’s Super League campaign. Here’s the latest heading into today’s early kick-off at the Bescot Stadium…
THE BUILD UP
Carla Ward’s side continue in search of their first point of the season after three consecutive defeats. An opening day loss at Villa Park against Manchester United was followed by an away defeat against Matt Beard’s Liverpool, before last weekend’s devastating late heartbreak at the Emirates Stadium in a 2-1 loss.
Villa went a goal up in North-London with left-back Maz Pacheco opening the scoring in the 25th minute. The 26-year-old was left unmarked in the box from a Lucy Staniforth corner and the former West Ham defender made no mistake, heading past Arsenal’s Manuela Zinsberger to make it 1-0.
A resilient and spirited 90 minute performance from the travelling Villans was blown away as the Gunners’ Katie McCabe and Alessia Russo scored injury times goals to help Jonas Eidevall’s team to their first victory of the season.
This result leaves Villa in 11th and the West-Midlands based outfit are one of just two teams yet to have a point on the board at this stage. Carla Ward outlined the importance of the upcoming game, insisting that the whole group is looking for a reaction.
She said: “The reality is, we’ve had [big games] in succession. But what it does do is it puts us in good stead and we can take positives from all three games. Is this a must win? No, when you talk about pressure. But it is a must-win because we want to win these games as a group. We wanted to go and win the last three games.
“The only pressure on us is what we put on ourselves. We’ll focus on what we can focus on whether we’re winning games or losing games. That’s really important.”
This weekend’s opposition, Tottenham Hotspur, are fourth in the WSL heading into this afternoon’s fixture. Robert Vilahamn’s side started the term with a narrow defeat against Emma Hayes’ Chelsea, before bouncing back with three consecutive victories against Bristol City and Brighton & Hove Albion in the league and Reading in the Conti Cup.
Last weekend saw Spurs come from a goal behind to defeat Melissa Phillips’ Seagulls 3-1. Elisabeth Terland opened the scoring for the home side at the Amex Stadium, before Martha Thomas’ reply just before the break. Young English midfielder Grace Clinton put the visitors ahead in the 65th minute and Ria Percival converted to seal the victory in second-half stoppage time.
Carla Ward has praised Tottenham and discussed their start to the season. She said: “They’ve got a new manager. I met him in pre-season and he seems a really good guy who is clearly getting a tune out of his players. I think they’ll be a tough opposition.
“They’ve shown what they’re capable of and they’ve got off to a good start. The second half against Chelsea was very good, and they’ve had a convincing couple of games this past week. They’re going to be a good, tough side. They’re going to be a side that’ll knock on the door of the top six.”
Can Villa get back on their feet after three successive defeats or will Spurs pile on the misery and make it four on the bounce?
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TEAM NEWS
ASTON VILLA
Aston Villa will once again be without midfielder Kenza Dali for todayβs home fixture at the Bescot Stadium. The French international has missed the opening three games of the season through injury on the back of her World Cup campaign in Australia/New Zealand.
On the condition of the 32-year-old, Carla Ward said: “Same situation as the first three weeks. Kenza [Dali]’s back on the grass which is excellent, and on track for the international break. She’ll be back for Chelsea.”
Ward also provided an update on youngster Georgia Mullet, as well as the rest of the Aston Villa Women squad. She said: “Georgia Mullett missed out last week because she wasn’t well. She’s back in the squad, but apart from that everyone is fit and healthy.”
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Ellie Brazil, who has been sidelined for just over a year with an ACL injury, has this week returned to first team training. The 24-year-old last featured in the 3-0 defeat at home to Manchester City last October but is back among the first team set-up at Hotspur Way.
It is unlikely that the forward will feature later today, but the former Brighton star could be in contention after the forthcoming international break.
Spurs striker Bethany England is expected to miss the upcoming game at the Bescot Stadium. The England international has yet to feature in lily-white this season, with the former Chelsea forward last finding competitive minutes in the Lionesses’ World Cup final defeat against Spain.
England has been struggling with a hip injury and required surgery at the start of September. In a post on social media, the 29-year-old announced: “Unfortunately I required hip surgery to fix an issue I’ve had for a few months. I’m gutted I won’t be able to start the new season with my team and play in the UEFA Women’s Nations League with the Lionesses.
“However, priority right now is my recovery and working hard to get back on the pitch as soon as possible. In the meantime, I’ll be the biggest supporter for both club and country. See you all very soon.”
PREDICTED LINE-UP
Letβs take a look at my predicted line-up for this upcoming fixture at the Bescotβ¦
Do you agree? Who makes your side? Share yours now and lets discuss?
Do you agree? Who makes your side? Share yours now and let’s discuss?
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