Aston Villa Women face their toughest test of pre-season on Friday when Natalia Arroyo’s rebuilt squad take on European heavyweights OL Lyonnes.
Villa enter the friendly with confidence after an impressive 4-1 victory over Paris FC last weekend, but Lyon represent another significant increase in opposition quality.
The French side reached last season’s Women’s Champions League final and have already secured direct entry into the league phase of Europe’s leading competition for 2026/27.
For Villa, the fixture provides an important indication of how far their summer rebuild has progressed before the Women’s Super League campaign begins.
Aston Villa Women rebuild faces elite Lyon examination
Villa have made considerable changes after finishing ninth in the WSL last season.
Read Aston Villa previously examined the scale of Natalia Arroyo’s rebuild after six summer signings, with additions arriving across defence, midfield and attack.
The recruitment has continued since then.
Lily Murphy joined on loan from Manchester City, providing another young attacking option as Arroyo attempts to improve a side which scored only 28 league goals last season.
There were encouraging signs against Paris FC.
Aston Villa confirmed a 4-1 victory in France in their third pre-season outing, giving Arroyo’s new-look team momentum before facing Lyon.
Friday should provide a much harsher examination.
OL Lyonnes were Women’s Champions League finalists last season before losing to Barcelona and are among nine clubs already guaranteed a place in this season’s league phase.
Chelsea opener puts Aston Villa performance into context
The result itself will not define Villa’s preparations.
What Arroyo learns from the performance could be considerably more important.
Villa begin their WSL campaign away to Chelsea on Saturday, 5 September, meaning the Lyon fixture provides an opportunity to test combinations against Champions League-level opposition before another elite opponent awaits competitively. Sky Sports confirms Chelsea host Villa at 12.30pm on the opening weekend.
After extensive summer recruitment, Arroyo now needs those new pieces to develop into a functioning team.
A convincing victory against Paris FC offered encouragement.
Facing Lyon should provide a much clearer indication of how close Villa are to being ready for Chelsea.
