Aston Villa vs Bristol Rovers Match Preview

Photo credit: Luca Rosewell @shots.byluca

History making squad, Bristol Rovers, will travel to the Bescot Stadium to take on Aston Villa in the fourth round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup. Will manager-less Villa beat the underdogs to book themselves a spot in the round of 16 or will Bristol Rovers come out on top? 

Recent Performances: 

Bristol Rovers are in for their biggest test yet with Aston Villa being the first WSL team they have faced. After securing promotion to the National League Division One South West at the end of last season, and progressing in the FA Cup this season, the team are desperate to rise to the occasion. The third round presented their toughest challenge yet when they faced National League Premier Division side Oxford United. 

With Oxford United being the league above, the Gas Girls went into the game as the underdogs but came out with a 3-2 win. When progressing to the third round made history, fans rallied round to watch the team create further history when they once again progressed further. The whole team played to a standard they’ve never played at, but goal scorers Meg Jarvis and Daisy Ackerman proved why they are an important part of the team's front line this season. Their combined skill could be a crucial part of this weekend’s clash. 

Rovers are currently on an unbeaten run of 10 games, will they make it to 11 unbeaten? 

“When you cast your mind back to the point when we started and we were literally playing on pitches with cabbages on, like it’s just mental,” 

Gas Girls manager Nathan Hallett-Young said to Bristol Live.  

Aston Villa’s season didn’t get off to the best start under new manager Robert de Pauw, they currently sit seventh in the table with only nine points from 10 games. In their last five games, they have won three and lost two, the biggest win was 4-1 and came against Charlton Athletic in the FA Women’s League Cup.  

With the claret and blue side competing in the Women’s Super League, they have more experience playing in intense and competitive matches, which may give them the upper hand over Bristol Rovers. Their amount of national team players also allows them to adapt to all kinds of situations because of different playing styles each country has and the level each player must play at for their country. 

The game this weekend may provide a welcome distraction to the Villans as the search for a new manager continues following de Pauw’s departure. De Pauw joined the club, on a three-year deal, from Bayer Leverkusen, where he held a recognisable record in the German and Dutch leagues.  

Missy Bo Kearns is the only known injury concern for the Villans. The midfielder underwent foot surgery before Christmas and is expected to return to play in mid-January, but the FA Cup game may be too soon for her return.  

Stand Out Players: 

Rachel Daly is currently Aston Villa’s top goal scorer this season having scored 4 goals in 10 games. Although, predominantly a striker, Daly can play anywhere on the pitch and will be Barrett and Bassett’s biggest threat if she steps onto the pitch. Ebony Salmon can also be dangerous on the pitch; the ever-growing player is always improving and can often be left under marked. In 135 club appearances across her whole career, the striker has scored a total of 45 goals.  

Aston Villa will be wanting to avoid giving the ball away in midfield with Nia Rees on the pitch. The midfielder is able to intercept play with quick movements, opening goal opportunities for her forwards. Poppy Warren and Layah Douglas will also be crucial for the Gas Girls in defence. Being some of the clubs' longest players, they know the playing style well and will be important not only for play but also for composure.  

Lineup Predictions: 

The predicted starting lineup for the Villans is different to their previous matches to give other squad players game time, with the aim of resting players such as Adriana Leon and Sabrina D’Angelo for their upcoming matches.

The line up for the Gas Girls is predicted to be similar to their last matches considering their good run of form. However, after not playing the full 90 minutes in their league game against Abingdon at the weekend, Poppy Warren may make a return to the starting lineup to strengthen their defence.  

Aston Villa: Poor, Maritz, Patten, Turner, Tomàs, Staniforth, Taylor, Robinson, Salmon, Nunes, Daly. 

Bristol Rovers: Hunt, Douglas, Bassett, Ackerman, Jarvis, Rees, Warren, Buxton, Bourne-Hallett, Exley, Barrett. 

The game kicks off at 5:45pm and will be streamed live on the Adobe Women’s FA Cup YouTube channel and the FA Player.