AST-W vs MUN-W Match Details
Date: Sunday, 01 April 2023
Time: 12:30 (BST) / 17:00 (IST)
Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham
AST-W vs MUN-W Match Preview
Aston Villa had a remarkable run in the last WSL season managing to finish fifth on the WSL table by collecting 37 points from 22 games. Since earning promotion four years ago, the side only managed bottom-half finishes in the first two seasons of the top-flight. Although they remained 10 points short of any European football berth in the third season, it was significant progress made by the Villians. Aiming for Champions League football again, Carla Ward’s side had dove into the market to make some top-class signings greatly bolstering their squad. Euro and World Cup star for the Netherlands, goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar has been roped in while the likes of Adriana Leon and Ebony Salmon have added to the attack already containing previous season’s top-scorer Rachel Daly. However, Aston Villa will be aware of the fact that only adding quality is not enough and that the team needs to work as a cohesive unit to reach their target. The real test are the clashes against the contenders for the Champions League places one of which are Manchester United. Villa will face the Red Devils at home in the season’s curtain raiser in the hope of showing their capability despite having no wins in this meeting. The side is desperate to end their winless run of three games at home as well.
Like Aston Villa, Manchester United have also made star-studded dealings but has also lost some of their key contributors to a fabulous campaign last time. None bigger than striker Alessia Russo that too on a free to title rivals Arsenal. Ona Battle returning to Barcelona, Maria Thorisdottir moving to Brighton and midfielder Vilde Boe Risa joining Atletico Madrid are all notable departures from the club. All of them helped a club to a second-place finish in the league last season in a close title race which saw Chelsea once again winning it pipping them by just two points. Mark Skinner's side have strengthened up greatly to mount another title charge including bringing the Golden Boot winner at the World Cup in Hinata Miyazawa. Geyse from Barcelona and multiple Champions League winner Malvine Malarad on loan from Lyon are other prominent arrivals as are midfielder Irene Guerrero and keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce. Golden Glove winner at the World Cup, Mary Earps has been retained despite interest from the Gunners. Aside from the WSL, United will have to balance their continental duties should they qualify for the group stages of the Champions League after making it to the competition for the first time. Hence, they need a strong start to the campaign but an away trip to Aston Villa is as tricky as it gets.
AST-W vs MUN-W Predicted Lineups
AST-W: Van Domselaar; Sarah Mayling, Anna Patten, Danielle Turner, Mayumi Pacheco; Lucy Parker, Jordan Nobbs, Kenza Dali; Adriana Leon, Rachel Daly, Kirsty Hanson
MUN-W: Mary Earps; Hannah Blundell, Le Tissier, Millie Turner, Gabby George; Irene Guerrero, Katie Zelem; Geyse, Ella Toone, Leah Galton; Hinata Miyazawa
AST-W vs MUN-W Dream11 Prediction
GK: Earps (8)
DEF: George (9), Le Tisser (8.5), Pacheco (8)
MID: Dali (9), Miyazawa (8.5), Toone (9), Galton (8.5)
FW: Leon (6), Daly (9), Geyse (7.5)
Vice-captain: Ella Toone or Kenza Dali
Captain: Rachel Daly
