Aston Villa Women and Leicester City Women are both looking for their first Women’s Super League win of the season as they face off on Sunday. Both sides have collected just a single point from their opening three league games, leaving them in ninth and tenth place, respectively.
Match Preview:
Aston Villa manager Robert de Pauw has endured a tough start to his reign, with his side yet to secure a win in the Women’s Super League (WSL) this season. The Villans kicked off their campaign with a narrow 1-0 loss to reigning champions Chelsea, before a stoppage-time goal saw them draw 2-2 at home to Tottenham Hotspur in their next game.
Villa did manage a confidence-boosting 2-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Women’s League Cup, but they quickly returned to their struggling league form with a 4-2 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. Despite Rachel Daly’s two goals, Villa couldn’t hold on for a result after Paula Tomas was sent off, and Brighton took full advantage with a late penalty and another goal to seal the win.
Villa will hope to end their winless streak this weekend and can take heart from their strong head-to-head record against Leicester, having won five of their six previous WSL encounters.
Leicester City, under new boss Amandine Miquel, are also searching for their first WSL win of the season. Miquel’s side started with a 1-1 draw against Liverpool, followed by a narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal. They managed another draw in the Women’s League Cup against Bristol City but lost the penalty shootout for the bonus point.
Last Sunday, Leicester’s winless run extended to 11 WSL matches after a disappointing 2-0 home loss to newly-promoted Crystal Palace. Miquel will be looking for a response from her side, and although they have yet to beat Villa in the WSL, Leicester will take confidence from their 1-1 draw in April’s meeting.
Team News:
Aston Villa:
Villa will be without defender Paula Tomas, who is serving a three-match suspension after her appeal to reduce the ban was rejected. Left-back Maz Pacheco is expected to make her first WSL start of the season. The Villans will also miss the services of Rachel Corsie, Jill Baijings, Anna Leat, and Georgia Mullett due to injuries. Rachel Daly, Villa’s leading scorer, will continue to spearhead the attack, aiming to add to her three goals this season.
Leicester City:
Leicester manager Amandine Miquel has no new injury concerns but remains without Hannah Cain, Lena Petermann, and Shannon O’Brien. Janina Leitzig, who made her first WSL start of the season last weekend, is expected to retain her place in goal. Changes to the outfield are possible, with Yuka Momiki and Shana Chossenotte pushing for starts.
Predicted Lineups:
Aston Villa:
D’Angelo; Maritz, Patten, Parker, Pacheco; Nobbs, Kearns; Grant, Dali, Hanson; Daly
Leicester City:
Leitzig; Bott, Howard, Thibaud, Cayman; Tierney, Momiki, Mace; Rantala, Chossenotte, Mouchon
Although both Aston Villa and Leicester City are seeking their first WSL victory of the season, Villa’s dominant record against Leicester gives them the edge. With home advantage and the firepower of Rachel Daly, Villa are likely to claim their first win of the campaign.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Leicester City
