We can’t wait for Villa clash, says Aleixandri | OneFootball

Laia Aleixandri and her City team-mates are ready and raring to go ahead of a gripping final day of the Barclays Women’s Super League season.

Gareth Taylor’s side are neck and neck with Chelsea at the WSL summit and know we could seal a first league crown since 2016 against Aston Villa in Saturday’s 15:00 (UK) kick-off.

We currently hold a three-point advantage over Emma Hayes’ side, but a win for the reigning WSL champions against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday evening would see them move ahead on goal difference.

But regardless of the potential permutations, Aleixandri says City are relishing the high stakes environment that only a final day title battle can bring.

“I think it was a tough game [against Arsenal] and a big opportunity for us to take the three points and take advantage in the title race,” the defender explained when asked to reflect on our most recent clash.

“But after the game, I think the team is still very confident in what we’ve been doing this season and that’s important, to look forward to the last game.

“We’re confident, we can’t wait to play the last game.

“I think it’s the most important thing that we’re really focused on what we’ve been doing and what we need to do for the last game.”

WATCH: Extended Highlights: City 1-2 Arsenal

City are looking to respond to a late defeat against Arsenal in our most recent fixture which ended a 14-match winning run.

It was the joint-longest in Barclays Women’s Super League history, but Aleixandri is confident of a positive reaction to that setback at Villa Park.

Indeed, the defender believes City’s mindset to consistently go again will serve us well on Saturday, as it has done all season.

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She added: “I think it’s very difficult to win every week, so that’s very important for the team.

“The mentality we had in these last games, we need to take that and bring it to the Villa game.

“The mentality that we had to go forward to score goals and keep our clean sheet is going to be key for the last game.

“What we’ve been doing lately is going to be important for us.”

Aston Villa v City: App Coverage

Our official app will have all bases in Birmingham covered on Saturday.

Starting 90 minutes before kick-off, our Matchday Centre will provide blow-by-blow updates and Matchday Live will begin at 14:00 (UK) as team news lands.

Tash Harding is a special guest on the broadcast, joining Natalie Pike in the studio, while FG and Karen Bardsley will be pitch side at Villa Park.

Live audio commentary will also be provided, and those with push notifications turned on can be alerted to all the key bits of the action as they unfold.

A comprehensive match report, plus reaction from Taylor and members of  is squad will be published on mancity.com and our official app shortly after the final whistle.

Short and extended highlights, as well as a CITY+ full-match replay will be made available at 12:00 (UK) on Sunday 19 May.