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

The host were thrashed 5-0 by Manchester United last weekend, but they have won four of their last five competitive matches.

Match preview

Aston Villa record three straight victories in all competitions before they were hammered 5-0 by Man United at Old Trafford.

Despite being comfortably beaten, the Villans remain in fifth place in the WSL as they prepare for their final game of 2022.

They also have the chance to record consecutive victories after beating Sheffield United 2-1 in the League Cup during the week thanks to goals from Kirsty Hanson and Kenza Dali.

That result ensured Aston Villa progressed to the quarter-finals after they topped a League Cup group that contained the likes of Manchester United and Everton.

As they turn their attention back to league matters, Aston Villa know they will face a tough test on Sunday after losing their two league games against Arsenal last season by a combined 11-0 scoreline.

After losing to 3-2 in the WSL to Man United and drawing against Juventus in the Champions League, Arsenal returned to winning ways last weekend.

Vivianne Miedema scored in the first half to guided the Gunners to a 1-0 victory over Everton that leaves them level on points with second-place Man United and three points adrift of league leaders Chelsea with a game in hand.

The Gunners replicated the 1-0 scoreline in their midweek encounter with Juventus, and once again, a first half Miedema effort helped Arsenal claim a narrow victory.

Jonas Eidevall's side are now currently top of their Champions League group with 10 points to their name, and they will look to qualify for the knockout rounds when they face Lyon on Thursday.

Before they can focus on their home match against the European champions, Arsenal will attempt to record an eighth consecutive away league victory in Sunday's meeting with Aston Villa.

Aston Villa Women Women's Super League form:

L

L

L

W

W

L

Aston Villa Women (all competitions) form:

Arsenal Women Women's Super League form:

W

W

W

W

L

W

Arsenal Women form (all competitions):

W

W

L

D

W

W

Team News

Aston Villa have a number of injury absentees, including Meaghan Sargeant, Remi Allen, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah and Evie Rabjohn.

Natasha Harding and Simone Magill are also ruled out, while Freya Gregory is sidelined after being forced off during the midweek cup win over Sheffield United.

Anne Patten is ineligible to face her parent club, which could result in Olivia McLoughlin coming into the side to partner Danielle Turner in central defence.

As for the visitors, they are still without the services of Kim Little, Beth Mead and Lina Hurtig due to injury issues.

Leah Williamson and Rafaelle have both recently returned from injuries, and after starting the midweek win over Juventus, Williamson could be replaced by her Brazilian teammates as Arsenal look to manage their workload.

Jonas Eidevall could also bring Jordan Nobbs and Noelle Maritz into the side, which would enable the Arsenal boss to rest a couple of players ahead of Thursday's Champions League meeting with Lyon.

Aston Villa Women possible starting lineup:

Hampton; Mayling, McLoughlin, Turner, Pacheco; Blindkilde, Corsie, Dali; Lehman, Hanson, Daly

Arsenal Women possible starting lineup:

Zinsberger; Maritz, Rafaelle, Wubben-Moy, Catley; Walti, Nobbs, Maanum; McCabe, Foord, Miedema

We say: Aston Villa Women 0-3 Arsenal Women

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