The stage is set at Villa Park for a high-stakes Sunday showdown in the Women’s Super League. Both teams are looking to shake off recent setbacks, with Tottenham eager to reclaim their momentum after a loss to Chelsea and Aston Villa desperate for an "energetic" response following a heavy defeat to Liverpool.
Tottenham Hotspur Confirmed XI
Manager Martin Ho has made just one tactical change to the side that faced Chelsea last weekend. Maika Hamano, who was ineligible to play against her parent club last Sunday, returns to the starting line-up to provide creative spark.
Starting XI: Kop (GK); A. Nildén, Gaupset, England (C), Holdt, Hunt, Wijk, Hamano, Summanen, Koga, Blakstad.
Substitutes: Heeps, Bartrip, Rybrink, Ahtinen, Vinberg, M. Nildén, Gunning-Williams, Tandberg, Dennis.
Team News: Maika Hamano replaces Matilda Vinberg, who drops to the bench. Spurs remain without long-term absentees Ella Morris, Jess Naz, and Maite Oroz.
Aston Villa Confirmed XI
Natalia Arroyo has called for more "conviction and clarity" from her side today. With Sabrina D'Angelo sidelined due to a head injury, the Villans have a familiar face between the posts.
Starting XI: Roebuck (GK); Patten (C), Staniforth, Jean-François, Hijikata, Wilms, Parker, Maritz, Hanson, Grant, Taylor.
Substitutes: Salmon, Kendall, Deslandes, Nighswonger, Maltby, Clark, Seymour, Lea.
Team News: Ellie Roebuck starts in goal. Lucia Kendall makes a welcome return to the matchday squad after a long injury lay-off, while Rachel Daly and Missy Bo Kearns remain unavailable.
What’s at Stake?
This is a pivotal moment in the WSL table. Tottenham currently hold 5th position, looking to close the gap on the top four, while Aston Villa (sitting 8th) are looking for their first home win in B6 since mid-January.
With the sun shining over Villa Park and both captains—Beth England and Anna Patten—leading their teams out, we expect a high-intensity battle in the West Midlands.