Birmingham City look to maintain impressive record against Aston Villa

Her Football Hub

·11 November 2021

Birmingham City look to maintain impressive record against Aston Villa

Birmingham City have never lost to local rivals Aston Villa. This Sunday, it could all be set to change, for the first time in history.

Aston Villa made an impressive start to the season, picking up seven points in their first three matches. However, since then, they have failed to pick up another point, losing to Arsenal, Reading and Chelsea.

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Birmingham City have only picked up a single point in their first six matches — a credible draw away to West Ham United last month.

This Sunday’s encounter at St Andrew’s is the first ever meeting in the Women’s Super League with fans attending. Form goes out the window in a local derby and anything can happen.

Last time out

When the two sides met last season, the Blues were the victors at Villa Park thanks to a spectacular Claudia Walker goal.

When they met again at Damson Park, Villa looked to have secured a famous victory courtesy of a Freya Gregory goal, but Veatriki Sarri equalised for the Blues in the final minute.

On both occasions, there was a great deal of passion on the pitch, with some feisty tackles from the likes of Harriet Scott and Jodie Hutton. Off the pitch, there was yet more passion as the fans took to social media for local bragging rights.

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That dramatic point gained really helped Birmingham avoid relegation under the management of Carla Ward. Now, Ward has crossed the divide to neighbours Aston Villa and is looking to make history.

This time, there is even more spice to this match. There are ten players in the Aston Villa first team squad that have previously played for Birmingham City. Eleven if you count Olivia McLoughlin, who moved from the Academy along with several other academy players, coaches and staff.

Ones to watch

Birmingham City

Irish forward Emily Whelan has been a breath of fresh air whenever she’s played. She knows how to make a tackle, win the ball and vitally, can create chances.

Jade Pennock has been instrumental to Blues but didn’t play the last match due to injury. The ex-Sheffield United midfielder scored against Everton and will be looking for the goals again on Sunday.

Worringly for Blues, they have only scored two league goals all season, with captain Louise Quinn being the other scorer. Quinn’s real strength though is in her defending and she’s not afraid to throw her body on the line.

Up front, returning Blue, Lucy Quinn can score from long range so Villa keeper Hannah Hampton will need to be well prepared.

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Ones to watch

Aston Villa

Remi Allen is the club’s top scorer and at age 31, still has the energy to get from box to box. Allen is also not afraid of a tackle and will be a key player in the midfield battle with Christie Murray.

German midfielder Ramona Petzelberger has made a big difference this season. She does the hard work to win back the ball when the team is out of possession.

Villa will utilise the flanks as much as possible and the flamboyant Maz Pacheco will most likely run the left side. The 23-year-old left-back can dribble past opponents and pick out an incisive pass to her teammates.

According to FotMob app, right-back Sarah Mayling is Villa’s most highly rated player this season. She has a 70% record for accurate passes and an impressive 85% for tackles succeeded. She is also a set-piece specialist which Blues will know all about.

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