Brian Sørensen’s first Aston Villa Women team selection comes just over 24 hours after the club confirmed Natalia Arroyo’s departure.
Newcastle United Women visit Keys Park on Wednesday in the Subway Players Cup. Villa won their opening match in the competition at Nottingham Forest, but Sunday’s 4–0 league defeat at Tottenham has left Sørensen with decisions across the side.
This is a predicted XI, not confirmed team news. The club has yet to announce Sørensen’s line-up.
Aston Villa Women predicted XI against Newcastle
Okuma; Wilms, Patten, Harviken, Maritz; Kielland, Kendall; Grant, Hijikata, Mullett; Vangsgaard.
Akane Okuma should remain in goal. Anna Patten and Mathilde Harviken offer continuity in central defence, with Lynn Wilms and Noelle Maritz completing the projected back four.
The biggest uncertainty is midfield. Lucy Parker started at Tottenham but went off after 29 minutes. Until Villa provide a fitness update, it would be unwise to assume she can start again on Wednesday. Synne Kielland is one possible replacement alongside Lucia Kendall.
Further forward, Sørensen must decide how much to change after the Spurs defeat. Chasity Grant and Maya Hijikata could retain their places, while Sophie Mullett is an option to come into the side. Amalie Vangsgaard is the pick to lead the line.
Sørensen may instead rotate more heavily in the cup, particularly with another league fixture to follow. His first confirmed XI will tell us much more about his immediate approach than speculation over a permanent managerial appointment.
Villa’s official statement on Arroyo’s departure confirms Sørensen will take charge against Newcastle. Our match guide has the confirmed 7.30pm BST kick-off, venue and ticket details.
