Preview: Leicester Women vs. Reading Women - prediction, team news, lineups

Reading, who occupy 10th position, are currently four points clear of the Foxes, who are propping up the Women's Super League table.

Match preview

Leicester will still be reeling from last Sunday's demoralising 5-0 defeat against Aston Villa, which extended their winless run to four matches.

Having picked up just seven points from 16 matches, the Foxes are rooted to the bottom of the table, with two points separating them from 11th-placed Brighton & Hove Albion, who have two games in hand.

Leicester can also catch Sunday's opponents, and they can close the gap to Reading to one point if they can claim their second home win of the WSL season on Sunday.

If the hosts are to clinch all three points then they will need to significantly improve in the final third after failing to score in six of their eight home league games.

The Foxes have scored one and conceded 12 goals in the first half of their WSL home matches this season, highlighting the need to start positively against Reading.

Although Reading have won only one of their last seven league matches, they would have taken confidence from the character they showed to draw 2-2 with Brighton last weekend.

Two goals from Veatriki Sarri put Brighton in the driving seat at the break, but Reading pulled themselves level within 15 minutes of the restart thanks to a brace from half-time substitute Emma Harries.

The Royals were unable to go on and find a winner, but they would have been content with a point that ensures they have lost just one of their previous five home league matches.

Reading have been unable to transfer their promising home form onto their travels though, losing all eight of their away league matches in the WSL this term.

In fact, they have not won a top-flight away match since beating Everton 2-1 in February last year, but they have already enjoyed success on the road against Leicester this season, winning a penalty shootout after their FA Cup tie finished 2-2 following extra time.

Leicester Women Women's Super League form:

L

W

L

D

L

L

Reading Women Women's Super League form:

L

L

L

W

L

D

Reading Women form (all competitions):

Team News

Kirk has revealed that Leicester have no fresh injury concerns ahead of Sunday's contest, although he is still unable to call upon four members of the first-team squad.

Long-term absentees Lachante Paul and Abbie McManus remain sidelined, while there is hope that Jess Sigsworth and Shannon O'Brien will be able to return before the end of the season.

Remy Siemsen has had to settle for a place on the bench for the last two games, but she could be given the responsibility of leading the line on Sunday.

As for the visitors, Deanne Rose remains unavailable as she continues her recovery from an injury, which has kept her sidelined since September.

The Royals began the 2-2 draw against Brighton with three central defenders, but Kelly Chambers may decide to switch to a back four against Leicester.

After coming off the bench to score a brace last weekend, Harries will be rewarded with a place in the starting lineup.

Leicester Women possible starting lineup:

Leitzig; Bott, Howard, Plumptre, Nevin; Tierney, Mace; Whelan, Green, Cain; Siemsen

Reading Women possible starting lineup:

Moloney; Bryson, Mayi Kith, Mukandi, Woodham; Eikeland, Troelsgaard, Moore; Harries, Wellings, Rowe

We say: Leicester Women 1-1 Reading Women

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