Manchester City vs Aston Villa: Adobe Women’s FA Cup Quarter-Final Preview
The quarter-finals of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup take center stage this weekend, with Manchester City hosting Aston Villa at the Joie Stadium. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the clash.
Form and Context
Manchester City, under Gareth Taylor, have had an inconsistent season, sitting fourth in the Women’s Super League (WSL) and trailing leaders Chelsea by 12 points. Their recent 1-1 draw against West Ham, despite an early goal from Khadija Shaw, highlighted their struggles. However, City remain in contention for the League Cup, FA Cup, and Champions League, and will aim to put their league woes aside this weekend.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, are battling at the wrong end of the WSL table, just four points clear of relegation. Their recent form has been shaky, and they’ll need to muster a strong performance to challenge City.
Team News
Manchester City:
City will be without long-term absentees Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood, who are recovering from knee injuries. Manager Gareth Taylor confirmed that Vivianne Miedema and Khadija Shaw are set to return to the starting lineup. However, Japan international Aoba Fujino is not yet ready to feature. Laura Blindkilde Brown is back in training, though her availability remains uncertain. January signing Rebecca Knaak is also sidelined due to injury.
Predicted Man City lineup (4-1-4-1): Yamashita; Kasparij, Layzell, Aleixandri, Ouahabi; Hasegawa; Fowler, Park, Miedema, Kerolin; Shaw.
Aston Villa:
Villa have faced turbulence recently, with winger Adriana Leon departing for San Diego Wave. They also have injury concerns, particularly in goal after Sabrina D’Angelo was forced off in last weekend’s defeat to Everton. Katelin Talbert made her debut as her replacement, but it’s unclear if D’Angelo will be fit for this match.
Predicted Aston Villa lineup (4-2-3-1): Talbert; Mayling, Patten, Turner, Maritz; Taylor, Baijings; Grant, Nobbs, Hanson; Daly.
What to Expect
This is a tough match to predict, given City’s recent dip in form. Their inability to secure a win against West Ham exposed vulnerabilities that Villa will look to exploit. However, City’s wealth of experience at the highest level could prove decisive. Villa’s struggles in the WSL, where they sit second from bottom, suggest they may find it difficult to match City’s quality.
Viewing Information
For fans tuning in, here’s where to watch:
- United Kingdom: BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website, Adobe Women’s FA Cup YouTube Channel, The FA Player.
- United States: ESPN+, ESPN App.
- Canada: Adobe Women’s FA Cup YouTube Channel.
Prediction
Despite their recent struggles, Manchester City’s quality and depth should see them through. Expect a hard-fought game but ultimately a City victory.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Aston Villa.
Stay tuned for the latest updates and analysis on women’s football!
