Preview: Arsenal Women vs. Aston Villa Women - prediction, team news, lineups

The Gunners have taken one point from their opening two games, while the Villans have suffered consecutive league defeats.

Match preview

Arsenal have experienced a difficult start to the 2022-23 campaign, which began with a Champions League exit in the first round of qualifying.

The Gunners experienced more disappointment on the opening weekend of the WSL season when they suffered a surprise 1-0 home defeat to Liverpool.

Although they took the lead through Stina Blackstenius in their most recent meeting with Manchester United, Arsenal looked to be heading towards another loss after a goalkeeping error allowed Leah Galton to equalise, before Melvine Malard put the Red Devils in front in the 81st minute.

However, Cloe Lacasse proved to be Arsenal's hero, coming off the bench to produce a superb long-range strike in the third minute of stoppage time, ensuring the Gunners returned home with a point to show for their efforts.

As one of four teams yet to win in the WSL this season, the Gunners know that they need to break their duck sooner rather than later if they are to mount a serious title challenge.

After achieving a commendable fifth-place finish last term, Aston Villa came into the 2023-24 campaign in a confident mood.

However, that positive feeling has begun to fade away following defeats against Man United and Liverpool in their opening two fixtures.

Despite taking the lead against the Red Devils, Carla Ward's side were ultimately left empty-handed after conceding two late goals.

The Villans were unable to offer a response in last weekend's away meeting with Liverpool, as goals from Marie Hobinger and Natasha Flint condemned them to a 2-0 defeat, bringing an end to the club's seven-game unbeaten away league run.

While the visitors may be low on confidence following a poor start, they will be able to draw inspiration from the fact they won 2-0 in their last meeting with Arsenal in May.

Arsenal Women Women's Super League form:

L

D

Arsenal Women form (all competitions):

W

L

D

Aston Villa Women Women's Super League form:

L

L

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Team News

Arsenal's Beth Mead has returned to full training after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, and there is a chance that she could feature on the bench for Sunday's contest.

Vivianne Miedema, Leah Williamson, Laura Wienroither and Teyah Goldie are further behind in their rehabilitation from serious knee injuries.

After coming off the bench last weekend, Frida Maanum, Caitlin Foord and Lacasse are all in contention to start against Aston Villa.

As for the visitors, Kenza Dali remains sidelined with a knee problem, and there is an expectation that she will be available after the international break.

The Villans are still without the services of Kirsty Hanson, who will serve the final game of a three-match suspension.

Summer signing Ebony Salmon could be presented with her first start for the club after featuring as a half-time substitute in both of the opening two league games.

Arsenal Women possible starting lineup:

D'Angelo; Ilestedt, Beattie, Codina; Lacasse, Little, Walti, Catley; Maanum, Foord, Russo

Aston Villa Women possible starting lineup:

Van Domselaar; Mayling, Patten, Corsie, Turner; Parker, Staniforth; Leon, Nobbs, Salmon; Daly

We say: Arsenal Women 2-1 Aston Villa Women

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