Manchester City head coach Gareth Taylor says that his side will be prepared for whatever challenge is provided by Aston Villa this weekend.
The Cityzens take on The Villans in their first game of the new Barclays Women’s Super League season at Villa Park on Sunday.
Aston Villa recorded their highest-ever finish in the elite game last season while Carla Ward’s side have recruited extremely well in the summer transfer window.
The Villans tried to stay in the games against top opponents last season but it remains to be seen whether Ward’s new-look side will be more aggressive this term given their increased attacking options. When speaking in the pre-match press conference, Manchester City head coach Taylor said that his side will be ready for whatever challenge comes their way.
“We are preparing for both scenarios,” Taylor said when speaking to FAWSL Full-Time. “We are preparing for a team that comes out and we know what we are going to do within that with the ball, but also, we are ready to face a team that really blocks up which is never easy to play against.
“I think it’s just about preparing the players for each eventuality and hoping that we have the solutions for whatever we come up against.”
With the likes of Rachel Daly and Kirsty Hanson now in Aston Villa’s ranks, Taylor is aware of the increased goal threat from his side’s first opponents of the new season. He went on to say that Manchester City need to earn the right to collect three points at Villa Park.
He said “They’ve made some good signings and changed things around a bit. I had a few discussions with Carla (Ward) because she was interested in a few of our players but at that point, we had a lot going out and the last thing that we needed was a couple more.
“One of their biggest issues last season was scoring goals but they are looking to impact on that and the likes of Rachel Daly is a good addition.
“Playing at Villa Park is going to be great, it was my first competitive game in the WSL (in 2020) so it’s a good game for us. It is one where we have got to earn the right to win game.”
Manchester City’s opening match of the Barclays Women’s Super League season against Aston Villa kicks-off at 12.30pm on Sunday afternoon.
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