Aston Villa (W) vs Manchester City (W): Will Home Comforts or Away Class Prevail?
In this preview, we break down the key stats and numbers to reveal how they might shape the upcoming matchup between Aston Villa Women and Manchester City Women.
🗓 Date & Time: January 25, 2025, 12:00 GMT
🏟 Venue: Villa Park
Aston Villa host Manchester City in a highly anticipated showdown at Villa Park. Can Villa’s impressive home form and set-piece prowess exploit City’s defensive absences? Or will the likely return of Bunny Shaw spark an away victory for the visiting favourites?
📊 League Form & Key Statistics
City’s Record
Manchester City have netted 23 goals so far (2.1 per match on average) and usually dominate possession with a league-high 70.6%.
However, they’ve shown vulnerability on the road, conceding 7 goals away compared to just 5 at home.
Villa’s Advantage
Despite scoring fewer goals (13 total), Villa have been strong at home, collecting 8 of their total league points at Villa Park.
They will be determined to capitalize on City’s patchy away record.
🏠 Contrasting Home & Away Records
City at Home: 15 goals scored, 5 conceded
City Away: 8 goals scored, 7 conceded
Villa’s Points: 8 at home vs. 2 away
🚑 Injury/Absence Report
🔴 OUT:
Lauren Hemp (City’s creative force)
Alex Greenwood (defensive stalwart)
🟢 Likely RETURN:
Bunny Shaw, City and the league top scorer is likely to be back in the lineup.
These changes could have a major impact on City’s attacking fluidity and defensive stability—especially in set-piece scenarios.
⚔ Tactical Analysis
Aston Villa’s Approach
🔵 High Press at Home
Villa average 9.4 tackles per game at home, this will come in handy if the hope to disrupt City’s methodical build-up.
🟣 Set-Piece Threat
Villa earn 6.3 corners per game (4th in the WSL), making them dangerous from dead-ball situations.
City’s defence, missing Alex Greenwood, could struggle against aerial battles and build-up- this was evident in their recent home loss to Manchester United.
⚡ Direct Play & Clinical Finishing
49.4% long-ball success rate (league-best) + 9.2% conversion rate = Villa must be direct and ruthless to stand any chance.
Manchester City’s Strategy
⚽ Possession & Passing Prowess
City’s 70.6% average possession and 89.4% pass accuracy highlight their trademark style: dictate tempo and patiently create chances.
🎯 Efficient Finishing
With a 12.2% conversion rate, City know how to capitalize on their opportunities.
The returning Bunny Shaw could be pivotal in converting half-chances into goals.
🛡 Defensive Vulnerability
City concede 2.2 saves per match, suggesting their defense can be exposed.
Missing Greenwood only heightens this risk against Villa’s set-piece proficiency.
🔑 Key Battles
Villa’s Home Press vs. City’s Build-Up
Can Villa’s aggressive pressing disrupt City’s rhythm? Overcommitting could leave gaps for City’s midfield to exploit.
Set-Piece Dominance
Villa’s 6.3 corners per game vs. City’s Greenwood-less back line could be decisive. A well-directed header could shift momentum.
Possession Control
City typically complete 610 accurate passes per game vs. Villa’s 403 If City settle into their rhythm which they always do, Villa would certainly struggle to sustain the pressure.
📢 Match Prediction
Predicted Scoreline: Aston Villa 1 – 2 Manchester City
📌 City’s Away Scoring: Averages 1.6 goals per match on the road.
📌 Villa’s Home Scoring: Averages 1.8 goals per match, but concedes 1.4+ on average.
📌 Key Insight: City’s superior quality and Bunny Shaw’s return should tip the balance, but Villa’s home advantage and set-piece strength will keep things tight.
🔥 Final Thoughts
Aston Villa’s home comforts give them a fighting chance, especially if they can execute their direct style and capitalize on set-pieces. Manchester City, however, remain a formidable force, boasting superior possession play and a returning star forward who can punish even the smallest defensive errors.
Expect a tight, tactical battle with City just about edging it.
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💬 Comment Below: Who do you think will come out on top at Villa Park?
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