Match preview: Villa host champions Manchester City

FixturesAston Villa Women Vs. Manchester City Women - Sun, Sep 13 2026, 18:30Aston Villa welcome champions Manchester City to B6 for their first home game of the 2026/27 Barclays Women's Super League season on Sunday evening. Natalia Arroyo's side will be aiming to keep positive momentum flowing against the Citizens after claiming an impressive point on the road against Chelsea last time out. Goalkeeper Akane Okuma had a debut to remember between the sticks, producing a player of the match performance as the team battled to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.Attentions quickly turn to another tough test as last season's WSL title and FA Cup winners arrive in town. The Citizens claimed a 3-1 victory over Birmingham City at Joie Stadium last time out. Forward Mary Fowler opened the scoring with a low drive before reigning Golden Boot winner and PFA Player of The Year Khadija Shaw headed home two corners to seal a comfortable victory. Océane Hurtré pulled a goal back late on for visitors Birmingham but it wasn't enough to rescue a share of the points as the champions made a winning start to their title defence.What Do The Stats Say? Villa have earned four points from their last four WSL home matches against Manchester City (W1 D1 L2), drawing 0-0 in this fixture last season Last season's 0-0 draw at Villa Park in March was just one of only two occasions in which the Citizens have been prevented from scoring in the league since December 2024 Villa have won the most points (6) of any team against the Women’s Super League 'Big four' (Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City & Manchester United) since the start of last season Since the start of 2025-26, only Tottenham (12) and London City Lionesses (10) have gained more points from losing positions in the WSL than Villa (9), who came from 1-0 down to draw 1-1 with Chelsea on the opening weekend Villa keeper Akane Okuma made nine saves against Chelsea on matchday one - the only goalkeeper to record more on their WSL debut is Lisa Weiß against Reading in September 2020, also for the Villans (10) The Last MeetingAston Villa and Manchester City played out a battling stalemate the last time they met in the WSL at Villa Park in March 2026. Arroyo's side made a lively start and largely dominated the first half but were thwarted by several sharp saves from City shot stopper Khiara Keating. The visitors rallied in the second half, calling on Villa to mount a staunch rearguard display. Keeper Ellie Roebuck pulled off a variety of saves to shut out her former club. Striker Vivianne Miedema went close to a winner for the away side in the closing stages, but under heavy pressure from the Villa defence she steered her header over the bar. The tight fixture ended all square as Villa became just the second team in 17 matches to stop City from scoring in a WSL game, earning a well deserved clean sheet and point.The Presser: Thoughts from Head Coach ArroyoTeam News After pulling out of contention to face Chelsea last weekend with a late knock, midfielder Oriane Jean-François will not be available to face Manchester City on Sunday. Meanwhile goalkeepers Emily Ramsey and Ellie Roebuck, and midfielders Jill Bajings, Missy Bo Kearns and Kamilla Melgård are being supported by the club’s medical team as they progress through individual programmes. Club captain Rachel Daly will be unavailable for selection for the foreseeable future following the recent announcement of her pregnancy. Summer loan signing Lily Murphy is unavailable for selection against her parent club. Defender Rachel Maltby remains on international duty with England at the Under-20 World Cup.Not secured your ticket for Manchester City on Sunday yet? Add your voice to the other Villans helping make our home a fortress this season. Buy your season ticket or individual match tickets now