Preview: Aston Villa (A).

City make the trip to the West Midlands to face Aston Villa on Saturday, February 3rd (12:30pm).

City remain bottom of the Barclays Women’s Super League after last week's 2-1 defeat to West Ham at Ashton Gate, but The Robins’ away form has been a positive overall this season, with all five points on the board won on the road.

Amalie Thestrup has picked up where she left off this side of the new year, as the clubs top scorer bagged her sixth of the campaign in the defeat to The Hammers.

The trip to Villa marks the beginning of ‘ten cup finals’ as Lauren Smith described her side’s remaining fixtures, and she’ll be looking for a response from her players after the disappointment of last week’s result.

OUR OPPONENTS: ASTON VILLA

Founded: 1973
Stadium: Poundland Bescot Stadium
Nickname: The Villans
Manager: Carla Ward
Finish Last Season: 5th

Since promotion to the WSL in 2018, Carla Ward has worked tirelessly to make Villa an established top flight club.

The club achieved their highest ever finish last season, ending the campaign fifth, much thanks to Lioness Rachel Daly’s 22 goals, which saw her win the division's golden boot. It was a strong season all round for Ward’s side, as they made the semi-finals of the FA Cup, and the latter stages of the Continental Cup.

Villa lifted their first major piece of silverware in 2013 when they won the Women’s Premier League Cup, beating Leeds United on penalties.

Ward’s side had a difficult start to the season, but have kicked on since picking up their first three points against City at Ashton Gate in November, now finding themselves eighth and relatively safe from danger.

MATCH DETAILS

When: Saturday, February 3rd (12:30pm)
Where: Poundland Bescot Stadium
Competition: Barclays Women’s Super League

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Stacey Pearson
Assistant Referee: Sophie Dennington
Assistant Referee: Nicoleta Bria
Fourth Official: Amy Fearn

Words: Kory Cook