Aston Villa Women's Attacking Talent Settling in Ahead of 2026/27 Season
Aston Villa Women kicked off their pre-season with recent behind closed doors friendlies against Ipswich Town and Sunderland. During these fixtures Natalia Arroyo's side gained valuable minutes in the legs over a sunny few days at Bodymoor Heath, as they begin to build momentum and energy ahead of the new season.
We're giving fans a glimpse into what they can expect in the 2026/27 campaign by spotlighting select players as preparations continue. In Focus: Vangsgaard, McAulay and Murphy
Our forward line recruits have been busy making themselves at home in claret and blue, bringing flashes of their signature skillsets to the fold across the contests played to date. Denmark forward Amalie Vangsgaard showed her keen eye for goal, going close on several occasions, flicking a back post header towards goal that forced a sharp save. Her runs into the channels proved a constant threat in behind.
Scotland winger Mia McAulay showed her trickery and nimble footwork on both wings, leaving defenders in her wake and combining well with teammates to create dangerous openings throughout. England youth international Lily Murphy brought her direct running to each flank, taking on her defender at every opportunity and fizzing dangerous crosses into the box. Her blistering pace proved vital as she worked tirelessly to track back.
Next up for Villa Women is a trip to France, where they will play Paris FC on Sunday, August 16 in another behind closed doors contest.
As the new season approaches, Aston Villa Women are looking strong, with a solid 9th place finish in the final 2025 table, 20 points, 5 wins, 5 draws, and 12 losses from 22 games, and a goal difference of -20. They are 35 points behind leaders Manchester City W in the title race, with 28 goals scored and 48 conceded this season.
