Match Pack: Manchester City

At A Glance

Aston Villa Women could edge one step closer to Wembley this weekend when they host Manchester City in the quarter-finals of the Vitality Women's FA Cup.

Carla Ward and co. will welcome Gareth Taylor's side to Poundland Bescot Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off set for 6pm.

The game appears to arrive at the best of times, with Villa riding a six-game unbeaten run coming into the last-eight tie.

Last weekend's league win over West Ham United continued that run, and goals from Rachel Daly and Jordan Nobbs ensured confidence remains high across the team.

And if Villa were in need of any more confidence, this season's results against Manchester City (a 4-3 win and a 1-1 draw) are added encouragement that the semi-finals are within reach.

This weekend's visitors to Poundland Bescot Stadium are Manchester City.

Gareth Taylor’s side have recovered from a tricky start to the 2022/23 season in style and are now firmly in the race for the Barclays WSL title.

City were put to the sword by a free-scoring Villa side on the opening day, but no one can argue with their recent form.

The Citizens have won six of their last seven entering Sunday’s tie and are just two points behind league leaders Chelsea.

But the focus this weekend will be on strengthening their own hopes of progressing into the final four of the FA Cup.

Having last won the trophy in 2020, this represents perhaps the best chance of obtaining silverware for the Mancunians.

Buoyed by the goalscoring exploits of Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, City will be a tough opponent for Carla Ward and co. on Sunday.

The Last Meeting

Villa Women picked up a well-earned league point against Manchester City the last time these sides met.

Kirsty Hanson cancelled out Deyna Castellanos’ opener at the Academy Stadium to propel Villa to fifth in the Barclays WSL.

Team News

Carla Ward kept her cards close to her chest with regards to how her squad is shaping up for Sunday.

Ruesha Littlejohn withdrew from Sunday's win over West Ham United and will face a spell on the sidelines with a laceration to her knee.

Meanwhile, Anna Leat has been pictured during training at Bodymoor Heath and is nearing a return to the matchday squad.

Remi Allen, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah and Simone Magill are all continuing to progress well as they ramp up their rehab.

Meaghan Sargeant and Natasha Harding remain out with long-term injuries.

The Boss