Aston Villa head coach Carla Ward says that Friday’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against Leicester City is one that goes in the ‘must-win’ category.
The Villans go into the match in ninth position in the Barclays Women’s Super League table but a victory would see them leapfrog opponents Leicester City and potentially close the gap on the teams in the top half of the table.
After what has been an undesirable opening half to Aston Villa’s Barclays Women’s Super League season, Ward explained how a victory in Friday’s fixture is imperative for her side.
“We’re disappointed with our first half of the season but we’ve got an opportunity to finish strong and that has to be the mindset, that has to be the mentality,” Ward said when speaking in the pre-match press conference. “That starts with a mindset of, ‘we have to go and try and win every game in front of us’.”
After a really bright start to the season for Willie Kirk’s Leicester City, The Foxes suffered a dip in form before the Christmas break and they have now failed to pick up a victory in eight league matches. Despite Leicester City’s poor form, Ward knows that The Foxes will provide no simple test.
She said “It’s going to be difficult because Leicester are a good side, they’re one of the most aggressive pressing teams in the league. Willie has got them set up really well, they had a good start. They’ll be disappointed I’m sure with their recent form but overall, I think Willie has done a really good job there.
“We’re up against a really top side, not a side that maybe you would look at last season. This season, they’re a completely different beast with top quality players, and a good way of playing. It’s not going to be easy that’s for sure.”
A single point is all that separates the two sides in the league table, meaning that Friday evening’s clash will be sure to bring the fireworks. Ward reflected on the huge importance of her side’s upcoming game.
“We have to win it, that’s the reality,” she said. “If you take away their win at Derby at the weekend, they’ve had a tricky run. They’ll feel like it’s a ‘must-win’ as well, it’s two teams that have to go out there and win, two teams that will no doubt go out and do everything to try and win the game.”
Aston Villa’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture at Leicester City kicks-off at 7pm on Friday evening.
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