Brighton & Hove Albion Women and Reading Women will both look to claim their first points of the Women's Super League season when they go head to head on Sunday.
The hosts suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Arsenal on the opening weekend, while the Royals were beaten by the same scoreline when they faced Manchester United.
Match preview
© Reuters
Brighton knew they were in for a tough opener when the fixture list presented them with an away meeting against an Arsenal side who are targeting the WSL title this term.
Hopes of a positive result would have been slim prior to the contest, and they all but evaporated when Emma Kullberg was sent off in the seventh minute.
Arsenal proceeded to make the most of the numerical advantage as Kim Little and Stina Blackstenius grabbed a goal apiece before Beth Mead netted a brace to condemn Brighton to a demoralising 4-0 defeat.
Although their confidence would have been dented by the opening-day defeat, Brighton will know their battles this term will not be against the likes of Arsenal as they now turn their attention to a meeting with a Reading side they beat 4-1 in their most recent meeting in February.
However, Hope Powell will be concerned by the fact that her side ended last season with only one win in their final seven home league games.
© Reuters
Like their hosts, Reading were comfortably beaten when they made the trip to the North-West to begin their campaign with an away encounter against Man United.
The Royals were unable to cope with the fast start made by United as they were blown away in the opening 35 minutes following a Maya Le Tissier brace and goals from Katie Zelem and Alessia Russo.
A comprehensive 4-0 win for the Reds Devils extended Reading's winless run in the WSL to 11 games, with eight of those matches ending in defeat.
After scoring two goals in their last seven WSL contests, Kelly Chambers will know her side need to improve in the final third if they are to claim their first win in any competition since February 6.
Sunday's meeting with Brighton may be the opportune moment for Reading to end their drought after winning five consecutive games against the Seagulls prior to losing in their previous meeting.
- L
- L
Team News
© Reuters
Brighton are unable to call upon the services of Maisie Symonds, Megan Connolly and Rebekah Stott, who are all missing with injury issues.
Following her red card last weekend, Kullberg will be absent through suspension, which could result in Jorja Fox moving across from right-back to the centre of defence.
Powell may opt to bring Katie Robinson into the starting lineup after the 20-year-old came off the bench at half time against Arsenal.
As for Reading, Deanne Rose is set for an extended period on the sideline after rupturing her Achilles in the defeat to Manchester United.
Natasha Dowie is expected to replace Rose in the starting lineup, with the 24-year-old set to feature in the forward line alongside Lauren Wade and Charlie Wellings.
Despite conceding four last weekend, Chambers will likely keep faith with a back three that will contain Deanna Cooper, Emma Mitchell and Gemma Evans.
Brighton & Hove Albion Women possible starting lineup:
Walsh; Robinson, Fox, Williams, Pattinson; Bance, Olme, Lee, Sarri; Terland, Green
Reading Women possible starting lineup:
Moloney; Cooper, Mitchell, Evans; Eikeland, Troelsgaard, Rowe, Woodham; Dowie, Wade, Wellings
We say: Brighton & Hove Albion Women 1-1 Reading Women
Although both sides will be targeting all three points, after suffering heavy defeats last weekend, we think the two teams may settle for a point apiece from Sunday's contest.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
