Match Pack: Manchester United

Aston Villa travel to Manchester United this evening with a first league win of season firmly in their sights.

Robert de Pauw’s side take on the Red Devils at Leigh Sports Villlage tonight, 18:45pm KO, as they look to bounce back from last weekend.

Villa were defeated 2-1 by Liverpool last Sunday as a poor first-half performance proved costly.

A brace from Taylor Hinds gave Liverpool a two goal advantage at the break and a mountain of work for Villa to do.

They reduced the defecit soon after the restart as Gabi Nunes made it two goals in two but were unable to find the equaliser depsite a much improved second-half performance.

Manchester United came from behind to earn a point against Arsenal last time out.

Former United forward Alessia Russo gave Arsenal the lead just after the hour mark but Melvine Malard ensured a point was staying in Manchester with a late leveller.

Stats

Rachel Daly has scored five goals in five previous appearances against Manchester United in the WSL, only Sam Kerr (7) has netted more often against the Red Devils in the competition.

Gabi Nunes has scored each of Aston Villa’s last two league goals, becoming the first ever South American player to score in back-to-back WSL appearances in the process.

Manchester United are unbeaten in their five WSL matches this season (W3 D2).

The Last Meeting

Aston Villa lost 2-1 to Manchester United at Leigh Sports Village the last time the two sides met back in January.

Nikita Parris scored a first-half double to put the home side in the ascendancy.

Rachel Daly won and converted a penalty kick with 30 minutes to go, but Villa’s attempted comeback fell just short.

Team News

Georgia Mullett (hamstring) didn’t train with the team this week but is back on course for her return.

Jill Baijings (back) has returned to individual training on the pitch.

Rachel Corsie (knee) is back in the gym as she continues to build.

Paula Tomàs is eligibale to return to the matchday squad.

Managers’ Pre-match Thoughts