Aston Villa Women face a stern test of their recent resurgence with a trip to face an undefeated Everton Women at Goodison Park this Sunday. The Barclays Women's Super League fixture kicks off at 2pm BST, pitting Villa's two-game winning run against Everton's formidable home form. Villa, currently 10th in the FA WSL with six points from six games, are 12 points behind the league leaders Manchester City W.
Everton have won all five of their home league matches this season, creating a significant hurdle for the visitors. Their head coach, Scott Phelan, has emphasised the advantage of playing at Goodison. "We are definitely proud to have Goodison as an arena to play football in," Phelan said.
Aston Villa Women have won their last two matches, including a 2-1 victory over Liverpool where Chasity Grant scored a 62nd-minute equaliser. This upturn is part of a recent run of three wins, one draw, and one defeat from their last five matches, which began with a 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest W on 23 September. Their 2-0 win at Burnley W on 21 October, with goals from G. Mullet and L. Murphy, extended their winning run. However, the team has scored six goals while conceding 12 this season, leaving them with a negative six goal difference. Key to this improvement has been the form of winger Chasity Grant, who has contributed three assists in eight starts this season alongside experienced forward Rachel Daly.
Leading Villa into this encounter is interim head coach Brian Sorensen, who previously managed Everton Women for four years. His inside knowledge of the opposition adds an intriguing layer to the contest as his new side looks to build momentum.
Villa's defence, which has conceded 12 goals this season, will need to be at its best against a confident Everton attack. The previous meeting between the sides last February ended in a 2-1 win for Everton. An earlier fixture in Birmingham finished 3-3, with Kelly Gago scoring a 94th-minute equaliser for the Toffees. Following this match on Sunday 25 October, Aston Villa Women's next fixture is another away trip, continuing their pursuit of points in the WSL.
First reported at evertonfc.com
