Manchester City versus Aston Villa Adobe Quarter-final Tie: Match Preview.

Gareth Taylor’s side welcomes Natalia Arroyo’s team to the Joie Stadium on Sunday 9th March at 12:30 (UK). The sides will face each other on Sunday in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, with both sides hoping to secure victory in the quarter-final, to progress onto the semi-finals (with the draws being made on Sunday night, after all the action of the quarter-final clashes.)

Photo Credits: Aston Villa FC/ featured on their website.

Recent Form in the League:

In their last fixture in the Women’s Super League, Manchester City faced heartache in their 1-1 draw against West Ham on Wednesday. Khadjia Shaw thought she had secured victory in the 80th minute, however a 91st minute goal scored by West Ham forward Manuela Paví, denied Manchester City from securing the three points and Manchester City were denied a top three spot and Champions League football next season. 

Despite their recent draw, Manchester City currently sit fourth in the Women’s Super League table, with only six games left to play.

In their last fixture in the Women’s Super League, Aston Villa faced defeat against Everton. Despite Aston Villa outplaying Everton for much of the first 45 minutes and Aston Villa dominating possession with both Rachel Daly and Jill Baijings testing goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan. Everton were able to capitalise when Villa failed to clear a corner which was swung into the near post in the 16th minute. With this being said, Maren Mjelde was able to volley it home after reacting fastest to the bouncing ball, giving Everton a 1-0 lead only 16 minutes into the match. Villa suffered a blow early in the second half when goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo was forced off with a facial injury. WSL debutant, Katelin Talbert, endured a nightmare start to her career with Aston Villa, when she spilled the ball into the path of Honoka Hayashi, who smashed home from close range to double Everton's lead. 

Aston Villa are still searching for a first win under Natalia Arroyo, who replaced Robert de Pauw in late January. Her side currently sit 11th in the Women’s Super League table, only four points away from Crystal Palace in the relegation zone. However Arroyo’s side only have seven games left to play, to make a difference and ensure that they remain in the WSL. 

Recent Form in the FA Cup:

In their last fixture in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, Manchester City secured a 3-1 victory against Leicester City in the Fifth Round. A win on home soil came from a dominant performance in the first 45 minutes with goals from Leila Ouahabi and Kerolin. Khadija Shaw was able to get City’s third of the afternoon to secure progression into the Quarter-final and despite Leicester City’s best effort, and Nelly Losava’s 82nd minute goal, Manchester City would be the side that would progress into the next round.

In their last fixture in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, Aston Villa secured a 3-2 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Fifth Round. A win on home soil came from a dominant second half performance with a goal from Anna Patten in the latter stages of the first half which boosted Aston Villa’s confidence when they came out in the second half, and confidence was through the roof, when their side was able to score two more goals within the first 10 minutes of play restarting, with goals being scored by Rachel Daly and Chasity Grant. Despite Brighton & Hove Albion’s best efforts, and Nikita Parris’ dominant performance in front of goal, scoring two goals, Aston Villa would be the side that would progress into the next round. 

Last Time Out Against City:

The two WSL sides last faced each other at the end of January. Aston Villa hosted Manchester City in front of a home crowd at Villa Park. However a dominant display from Manchester City saw Arroyo’s side in an ever growing uncomfortable position. An early first half finish from Chasity Grant gave Aston Villa the lead early on in the game, however Vivianne Miedema, was a powerhouse in front of goal, and was not only able to level the game for Manchester City, but was able to put them in the lead at the break. Aston Villa came out into the second half looking for the three points, and a mistake at the back from Laia Aleixandri, allowed the game to get back on level terms for Aston Villa. However Mary Fowler was able to give Manchester City the lead in the 54th minute, and a fourth goal for Manchester City, from Jess Park in the 62nd, allowed Manchester City to steal the 3 points from Aston Villa. 

Match Information:

Date: Sunday 9th March 2025

Kick off: 12:30pm (UK)

Location: Joie Stadium, Manchester.

Fixture: Manchester City versus Aston Villa

Competition: Adobe Women’s FA Cup- Quarter Final tie.