Brighton & Hove Albion Women and Aston Villa Women will meet for the second time in eight days when they face off in the Women's Super League on Sunday.
After playing out a 1-1 draw last weekend, the two sides will both be targeting maximum points this time around.
Match preview
© Reuters
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, and 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.
© Reuters
After rounding off 2022 with two straight WSL defeats, Aston Villa are still yet to lose a league 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 WSL encounters.
Carla Ward's side finished in ninth place last season, but they currently occupy sixth position, highlighting the progress they have made 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.
- W
- L
- L
- W
- W
- D
- L
- W
- D
- L
- W
- D
Team News
© Reuters
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 Geum-min 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, and the 20-year-old will be looking to put in a solid performance on Sunday before she joins up with the England squad for the Arnold Clark Cup.
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 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
Aston Villa were unable to hold onto a slender lead when the two sides met last weekend, but after winning their two away games against Brighton, we think the Villans will edge out their hosts on Sunday.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.