Carla Ward’s Aston Villa head to the Pirelli Stadium to take on Willie Kirk’s Leicester City in a Friday night contest in the Women’s Super League.
Here’s the latest heading into this evening’s all-important clash in Burton-on-Trent…
Assistant Editor: Liam Davies
THE BUILD UP
After a struggled start to the 2023/24 campaign which has seen Carla Ward’s Aston Villa pick up just three wins from their opening ten WSL fixtures, the 40-year-old head coach is looking for her side to kick on and turnaround their league form in 2024.
It was a disappointing beginning to the new year however, with the Villans falling to a miserable 3-0 defeat to Brian SΓΈrensen’s Everton last weekend.
Second-half strikes from Karoline Olesen and Katja Snoeijs (2) helped the Toffees to a comfortable victory at the Bescot Stadium, in what was a excruciatingly flat display from the claret and blue outfit in the Women’s FA Cup.
Attention returns back to the WSL this week however, and Villa, sitting ninth in the top flight, face up against the side above them, Leicester City. With just a point between them as we approach the mid-way point in the season, this fixture feels like a crucial one for both sides.
In contrast to their Friday night opponents, Willie Kirk’s team began the new year excellently, defeating Midlands rivals Derby County by four goals to nil in the cup.
Lena Petermann, Janice Cayman, Remy Siemsen and a 75th minute own goal from the Rams’ Charlotte Steggles helped the Foxes into the round of 16 stages where they face Women’s Championship outfit Birmingham City.
Carla Ward is looking for her side to bounce back from last week’s defeat to Everton and believe Leicester will also be just as keen to win after a tough run of form in the league.
Speaking on tonight’s all-important fixture, Ward said: “We have to win it. If you take away their win at Derby [County] at the weekend, theyβve had a tricky run. They will feel like itβs a must-win as well which puts even more pressure on.
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TEAM NEWS
ASTON VILLA
Defender Maz Pacheco is expected to return to the starting line-up for tonight’s game at the Pirelli Stadium after serving a one-match suspension.
The 25-year-old picked up two yellow cards in the closing stages of the Villans’ 1-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in December and was unavailable against Everton last time out, as a result.
Elsewhere, defenders Dan Turner and Lucy Parker remain out through injury, while forward Freya Gregory is back in contention following the conclusion of her loan spell with Reading.
Providing an update on the team ahead of today’s match against the Foxes, Carla Ward said: “No fresh injuries. Freya [Gregory] will be back in the squad, she was cup-tied last week. Thatβs an extra body.
LEICESTER CITY
Willie Kirk will be without full-back CJ Bott and forward Hannah Cain for tonight’s home fixture against Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League.
The head coach revealed that Bott is ‘probably still a week away or two weeks away from coming back’, with the 34-year-old unavailable due to a calf injury.
Elsewhere, Welsh international Cain continues to recover from an ACL injury suffered early this season.
Aside from the injured duo, Kirk confirmed he has no ‘fresh concerns’ off the back of his side’s triumph over Derby County last weekend.
Speaking on team news ahead of tonight’s Midlands clash, the 45-year-old said: “No, nothing [new].
PREDICTED LINE-UP
Letβs take a look at my predicted line-up for this upcoming fixture at the Pirelli Stadiumβ¦
Do you agree? Who makes your side? Share yours now and let’s discuss?
MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR: LIAM DAVIES
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Authorβs UTV PODCAST archive Liam Davies – 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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