Preview: Brighton & Hove Albion Women vs. Aston Villa Women - prediction, team news, lineups

After playing out a 1-1 draw last weekend, the two sides will both be targeting maximum points this time around.

Match preview

Although Jens Scheuer has failed to win a league game in his first three WSL matches as Brighton boss, his side managed to avoid a third straight defeat in the top flight last weekend.

Aston Villa took the lead in the first half thanks to a Kayleigh Green own goal, but the Seagulls restored parity in the 74th minute through Julia Zigiotti Olme.

With neither side able to find a late winner, Brighton had to settle for a point, which leaves them in 10th position.

Brighton are currently sat five points above basement side Leicester City, and while they have a game in hand over the Foxes, they will be concerned about the prospect of being dragged into a relegation battle.

After conceding 33 goals in their 10 league games, Brighton have the unwanted tag of having the worst defensive record in the WSL, while they are still yet to record a clean sheet in the top flight this season.

Having scored the first goal in only one WSL match this term, Scheuer will be challenging his side to start on the front foot on Sunday.

After rounding off 2022 with two straight league defeats, Aston Villa are still yet to lose a WSL match in the current calendar year.

The Villans began 2023 with a 2-1 victory over Tottenham, before recording consecutive 1-1 draws in their last two top flight encounters.

Carla Ward's side finished in ninth place last season, but their current sixth position certainly shows that they have progressed this term.

With two points separating them from Everton, securing a fifth-place finish will be their target for the remainder of the season.

Aston Villa have only played two away league games against sides (Leicester City and Liverpool) below them in the table this season, and after winning both of those fixtures, they will be confident that they have the quality to claim all three points at the weekend.

Brighton & Hove Albion Women Women's Super League form:

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Brighton & Hove Albion Women form (all competitions):

Aston Villa Women Women's Super League form:

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Aston Villa Women form (all competitions):

Team News

Elisabeth Terland is progressing well in her recovery from injury, but Sunday's game will come too soon for the Norway international.

Scheuer has revealed Lee and Zigiotti Olme are both doubts, but if passed fit, they will both retain their places in the starting lineup.

Katie Robinson received her second international call-up during the week, but before she heads off on England duty, she will be focused on Sunday's game, where she is expected to operate on the right flank.

As for the visitors, they are still unable to call upon long-term injury absentees Meaghan Sargeant, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah and Natasha Harding.

Anna Leat is still sidelined with a back injury, and although Freya Gregory is close to returning to full training, she will not be available for Sunday's contest.

Remi Allen and Simone Magill are also some way off from returning to full fitness despite recently stepping up their recoveries by taking part in pitch-based work.

Brighton & Hove Albion Women possible starting lineup:

Walsh; Fox, Bergsvand, Stott, Morse; Robinson, Zigiotti Olme, Connolly, Sarri; Carter, Lee

Aston Villa Women possible starting lineup:

Hampton; Mayling, Patten, Turner, Pacheco; Staniforth, Nobbs, Dali; Lehmann, Daly, Hanson

We say: Brighton & Hove Albion Women 1-2 Aston Villa Women

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