Brighton & Hove Albion host Reading on Friday evening, as they look to get back to winning ways in the FA Women’s Super League after defeat to Manchester United last time out.
The Seagulls lost 4-0 at the Leigh Sports Village as they were unable to contain a dangerous United outfit.
Friday night lights
Albion come into Friday night’s rearranged fixture against Reading off the back of a below par performance at Manchester United. Hope Powell will be disappointed with last week’s showing after a run of promising results against Arsenal, London Bees and Birmingham City. Brighton & Hove Albion’s latest opponents Reading sit sixth in the FA Women’s Super League with three wins, one draw and two defeats, those two losses coming against the two Manchester clubs.
Brighton & Hove Albion on the attack
Brighton & Hove Albion will know they have to be stronger defensively coming into a game against a Reading side, that have scored nine goals in their last four games. On the other side, manager Powell will know if she can get her attacking players firing, her side can cause their opponents problems. Especially, against a Reading side that have conceded league 11 goals this season, with only four other teams having conceded more (West Ham United, Birmingham City, Brighton & Hove Albion and Bristol City). Striker Imi Umotong, has been used mainly as a substitute this season, however, due to the long term injury to Ellie Brazil, she may feature more in the upcoming weeks. The striker has made an impact off the bench but has failed to register a goal this season.
Moore of the same
Reading come into Friday’s game full of confidence, off the back of a dramatic 3-2 come back win over West Ham United last week. The Royals trailed 2-0 with only 15 minutes left to play before three goals in seven minutes from Kristine Leine, Brooke Chaplen and Jade Moore gave Kelly Chambers’ side the win. Midfielder Moore whose goal completed the comeback, has been in fine form this season. She has scored three goals including a brace in a 3-2 victory over Everton in October. Brighton & Hove Albion will also have to be wary of Reading’s creative midfielder Fara Williams. The England legend has scored one league goal and collected four assists this season which included three assists in the win against Everton.
Player to watch:
Kayleigh Green:
The Welsh international forward who joined the seagulls from Yeovil Town in 2018, has featured in every league game so far this season. As a result, she has has scored five goals in all competitions, including two in her side’s 3-0 win over Birmingham City. Despite, a quiet game last week against Manchester United, Green always looks a threat with the ball at her feet and she will look to create chances for the Iikes of Aileen Whelen, Emily Simpkins and Imi Umotong as well as threatening the opposition goal.
Previous meeting:
Reading won both meetings between the two sides last season. The Royals won 1-0 at home through a Rachel Furness goal and 4-1 at the People’s Pension Stadium. Fara Williams scored two goals in the 4-1 win and Aileen Whelen grabbed a consolation goal for the Albion.
Starting XIs in previous games
Brighton & Hove Albion (v Manchester United) – Walsh, Gibbons, Le Tissier, Kerkdijk, Barton, A. Nilden (Umotong), Simpkins, Bowman, A. Whelen, Le Garrec, K. Green
Reading (v West Ham United) – Moloney, James, Leine, Howard, Eikeland, Moore, Allen, Rowe, Williams, Chaplen, Utland
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