Match Pack: Reading

At A Glance

Aston Villa Women return from the final international break of 2022 this weekend, as they get set to face Reading at Villa Park.

Carla Ward's side are enjoying a positive start to the current campaign and picked up an important win over Liverpool last time out.

Rachel Daly scored a second-half penalty to overcome the Reds and lift Villa to sixth in the Barclays WSL table.

Sunday represents a fantastic opportunity to continue that momentum and put on another show in B6.

This weekend's visitors to Villa Park are Reading.

The Royals have been a regular fixture in the top-flight over recent seasons but have started the current campaign slowly.

While Kelly Chambers’ side have faced elite sides such as Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City in their opening six league games, the need for points is now.

A dramatic victory over Leicester City a few weeks ago has given Reading a platform to build open, but they will want to be sitting in a more comfortable position come May.

Villa have three former Reading players on the current squad list in the form of Remi Allen, Tash Harding and Maz Pacheco.

The Last Meeting

Ramona Petzelberger’s late header salvaged a point for Villa Women against Reading the last time these sides met.

The Royals took the lead with 20 minutes to go when Justine Vanhaevermaet converted a penalty with ease.

Villa were undeterred and got back on level terms when Petzelberger met Laura Blindkilde Brown’s cross to head home.

The result halted a three-game losing streak for Carla Ward’s side.

Team News

Carla Ward remains without Meaghan Sargeant, Remi Allen, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah and Simone Magill for Sunday's game.

The boss, however, hinted at the possible returns of Emily Gielnik (calf) and Ruesha Littlejohn (foot).

While Sunday's game may come too soon for the Australia and Republic of Ireland internationals, they will be back on the pitch soon.

The Boss