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      Manchester City 2 Chelsea 2: Berger’s brilliant saves help Blues move closer to retaining WSL crown

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      ANN-KATRIN BERGER helped Chelsea snatch a precious point at Man City with the champs on course to win their fourth WSL title. The Germany stopper’s stunning saves along with goals from Sam Kerr and Pernille Harder saw the Blues secure a drama-fuelled 2-2 draw.
      Ann-Katrin Berger’s stunning second-half saves helped Chelsea secure a point at Man CityCredit: Getty
      Chelsea could win their fourth WSL title if they win their remaining two league fixtures this seasonCredit: Reuters
      The outcome saw the league leaders extend their advantage at the top by two points.
      And the Blues are just two games away from becoming the first side to win back-to-back WSL titles since Liverpool in 2013 and 2014. 
      And Emma Hayes hailed Berger’s world-class shot-stopping with her team due take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Sunday. 
      Hayes said: “You can score goals to win games but the defence wins championships and she  (Ann-Katrin) is an unbelievable asset to the team. 
      “She is the best goalkeeper in this country, I think along with Christiane Endler they’re the best in the world and she’s improving. 
      “The more pressure she gets, the more she responds. 
      “My team is extremely resilient, and there’s a mentality within the dressing room that if we’re not playing very well, someone’s going to bail us out.
      “I know (before signing Ann)  people thought I had wonderful goalkeepers.
      “I knew what she was capable of and refused to let her play anywhere else. 
      “I wanted her here at this football club and she’s justified that decision fully.”
      Berger and her team-mates will face Bayern Munich next in the Champions League semisCredit: Reuters

      The highly anticipated battle between the WSL heavyweights lived up to its billing with both teams on the attack from the off. 
      The hosts threatened within the first ten minutes and had a decent chance to take the lead with Sam Mewis sending her close-range header over the bar in the ninth minute. 
      And Alex Greenwood headed the ball off the line moments later following a backwards headed effort from Sam Kerr. 
      The 0-0 scoreline lasted until the 24th minute with hotshot Kerr losing her marker to put the Blues in front with a bullet header. 
      But Gareth Taylor’s side refused to be bowed and hit back with an equaliser with a Chloe Kelly tap in four minutes later. 
      There was penalty drama close to the half-hour mark after Kerr was brought down by Ellie Roebuck.
      While the City keeper appeared to have got the ball ref Rebecca Welch pointed to the spot with Harder converting to put the visitors ahead. 
      Lauren Hemp was on target for City who came close to snatching a third goal against Chelsea late on in the gameCredit: PA
      The second half was just as frenetic as the first with the game becoming stretched as Man City searched for an equaliser. 
      And they got one with Chloe Kelly taking advantage of an awkward Fran Kirby pass to set up Lauren Hemp.  
      And the England winger poked home a leveller for City with 16 minutes of normal time remaining. 
      Moments later Hemp would force a brilliant reflex save from Berger with the keeper parrying the ball over the bar. 
      And the Blues stopper denied Stanway before Bronze missed a gilt-edged chance to score in stoppage time with the visitors securing a draw. 
      A home clash with Birmingham is up next for Man City. 
      The most important thing is we make sure we focus on what we’re able to control which is our final two gamesGareth Taylor
      But should they draw or lose to Carla Ward’s side then Chelsea could clinch the title if they win their derby duel with Tottenham. 
      And Taylor says his players intend to battle until the end of the season following the disappointment of their draw with Chelsea. 
      Taylor said: “I thought girls left everything out on the pitch and played some really good stuff in the second period and dominated proceedings.
      “We looked like we were going to get the late winner. It took a world-class save from their keeper to keep them in it. 
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Chelsea will play Tottenham and Reading in their final two games of the seasonCredit: Colorsport
      “We just run out of time in the end so you can understand that the disappointment for the girls, 
      “The most important thing is we make sure we focus on what we’re able to control which is the final two games.
      “We need to take care of those games, finish the season strong, make sure we remain unbeaten at home and control we do. 
      “Anything else that happens elsewhere is out of our control, but we need to give ourselves the best possible chance.”
      Man City are now two points behind Chelsea ahead of their game against BirminghamCredit: Getty
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      Williamson wows Arsenal fans with her silky skills ahead of club’s clash with Seagulls

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON is winning plaudits on Twitter for a sublime piece of skill during Arsenal’s trouncing of Gillingham in the Women’s FA Cup. The England ace, who is better known for her robust defensive displays, stunned fans when she pulled off the silky move.
      Williamson wowed Arsenal fans on Twitter with her nifty skills during the team’s fourth round FA Cup win against GillinghamCredit: Getty
      And Gunners supporters proudly shared a clip of Williamson in action, with the caption “How’s your touch,” directed towards her.
      In the clip, which amassed over 2,000 likes, the centre-back can be seen using her back heel to flick the ball to her front foot, before majestically controlling it and passing it on.
      And club team-mate Anna Patten can also be seen in the footage watching Williamson, 24, in amazement.
      In the comments under the clip, Williamson jokingly asks Patten if she is “okay,” to which Patten replied, “I’m so in awe of your touch I can’t move!”.
      Patten, who returned to North London in January, also showed off her attacking prowess by scoring her first-ever goal for the Gunners in their 10-0 win against Gillingham.
      The Hertfordshire-born defender, who sealed a move from US university side the South Carolina Gamecocks, has made five appearances for Arsenal this term.
      And Patten and her team-mates have even more to celebrate with the Gunners having gone 540 minutes without conceding a goal ahead of their WSL game against Brighton.
      But not to be out-done by the team’s defenders, Dutch hot-shot Vivianne Miedema also hit a pinnacle in the game, making her 100th appearance for the club.
      Williamson and her team-mate Patten joked about the clip on Twitter
      The Gunners have not conceded a goal in 540 minutes of competitive football

      Gunners boss Jo Montemurro will be hoping his players can keep up their solid defensive displays as they pursue Champions League qualification.
      Arsenal, who are currently third, are level on points with their top three rivals Manchester United.
      However, they have a game in hand over the Red Devils who face Tottenham ahead of their final two matches of the season against Bristol and Everton.
      Wins for Arsenal in their four remaining WSL games should see them finish third and qualify for the Champions League.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Arsenal will play Brighton, West Ham, Everton and Aston Villa in their final four WSL games this termCredit: Getty
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      Taylor hopes Man City can knock Chelsea off the WSL’s summit in crunch clash for title

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      GARETH TAYLOR thinks it will be a huge coup if Man City can swipe Chelsea’s WSL crown during his first term in charge. And the Academy Stadium boss has thrown his weight behind plans to provide the women’s game’s top referees with access to training given to Prem and EFL match officials.  
      Gareth Taylor hopes his team can pick up maximum points against ChelseaCredit: Getty
      A win for the Blues would put them in pole position to retain their WSL crownCredit: Getty
      City, who are without injured skipper Steph Houghton, will battle with the Blues for the first time since their 4-2 Conti Cup quarter-final loss to the champions in January. 
      And Taylor expects his side will face a stiff test as they look to avenge that defeat and pick up their tenth win on the bounce before a clash with Birmingham. 
      Should City triumph the club will be two wins away from securing their second WSL title and their first since Taylor took charge in September 2020.
      Taylor, 48, said: “This is obviously a result we need. But we know afterwards that we need another two wins. 
      “It’s important for us that we focus on this game and get this job done. To win the title would be big, let’s not dance around it.
      “It’d be a huge achievement for us especially considering the run that we needed to go on in order to be successful. 
      “In the WSL unfortunately with just 12 teams and only 22 games, it doesn’t really allow for any inconsistency at all. 
      “We’ve lost one game this season to Chelsea, they’ve lost one game to Brighton. Everything’s fairly tight. 
      “It’s not really been a season where you’re able to kind of run away with points. 
      Manchester City are currently two points behind league leaders ChelseaCredit: Zuma Press

      City’s game against Chelsea comes a day after the FA revealed PGMOL ref chiefs will oversee the management of WSL match officials from next season. 
      The standard of refereeing in the league has at times been questioned by club bosses with some officiating decisions coming in for criticism. 
      It is hoped the move will help ramp up the quality of officiating following growing calls for full-time refs at the highest levels of the women’s game. 
      Taylor added: “To come under one governing body is going to help everyone, it’s going to help the officials, it’s going to help referees. 
      “We’re always wanting to look at ways that we can revolutionise the game and add quality and this is a really positive step forward.”
      Taylor has backed plans for WSL match officials to receive training and support given to Prem refsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Meanwhile, Ann-Katrin Berger reckons the outcome of Chelsea’s clash with City will determine who will become the WSL’s top dogs this term.
      And the Blues stopper, who has kept 10 clean sheets in 14 league games this term hopes her side can pick up a second win at the Academy Stadium.   
      Berger, 30, said: “We’re two strong teams that know how to win. And I think it will be harder for us because it’s not on our ground.
      “But I think because we won for the first time there this year, we can have a little more confidence in this game.” 
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Ann-Katrin Berger believes Chelsea can take confidence from their win against Man City in JanuaryCredit: Rex
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      Hayes says Chelsea are ‘focused’ on beating Man City to WSL title amid ‘Big Six’ breakaway outcry

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      EMMA HAYES is “fully focused” on helping Chelsea beat Man City despite the furore surrounding the Blues’ role in plans for a European Super League.  And the Kingsmeadow boss says she has no knowledge of controversial proposals to set up a women’s version of the breakaway division.
      Emma Hayes says Chelsea are focused on notching up their second match win in the league against Man CityCredit: Rex
      Chelsea’s clash with Man City is the first of two big games for the Blues who face Bayern Munich in the Champions League semisCredit: PA
      Hayes, whose aces aim to strengthen their grip at the top, was speaking hours after the Blues revealed themselves as one of six Prem giants joining the league.
      A Chelsea statement on the £4.6billion 12-team competition – which entails no relegation – says a ‘corresponding women’s league will also be launched, helping to advance the women’s game as soon as practicable.’  
      However, Hayes, whose team will visit Man City – who are also among the ‘Big Six’ sides joining the league – says she knows little about the proposals. 
      The Chelsea boss told reporters: “I don’t know anything about it (a women’s league). I’ve been on the training pitch mostly. 
      “I don’t know about any conversations around those things. I leave those matters to people at the top end of football.
      “I’d love to tell you I was sitting down reading a lot about it late on Sunday night, early Monday morning. 
      “The reality is, I haven’t looked at any media. I haven’t had time to have an opinion, to be honest.”
      The breakaway plans, which include six other football giants from Italy and Spain, have been met with growing anger and dismay within the sport.
      FA President Prince William and Fifa Council candidate Laura McAllister are among the influential figures who have criticised the move.
      Man City have won nine of the WSL games on the bounce in 2021Credit: PA

      And Blues supporters network The Chelsea Social fears plans for a corresponding women’s European Super League would ‘ignore a number of clubs with a serious pedigree in the women’s game’ and ‘prioritise those with the deepest pockets.’ 
      Chelsea’s involvement in the ‘Big Six’ breakaway has been criticised by some of the club’s supporters
      Hayes, whose team are bidding to retain their WSL crown says registering a second win at Man City’s Academy Stadium fortress is her priority. 
      The Blues gaffer added: “I’ve just had my head fully focused on Wednesday’s game and I’m paid to win football matches so I’m just focusing on the game.” 
      Just two points currently separate Chelsea from City who are second in the table. 
      And the WSL champs have won 16 matches and drawn one less than their in-form rivals who have picked up maximum points from nine league games this year. 
      A victory for the Blues would see them move five points clear at the summit with just two games remaining against Tottenham and Reading. 
      It would also give them a boost ahead of the first-leg of their Champions League semis clash with Bayern Munich.
      This term Chelsea are aiming to become the first English side since Arsenal to win the top prize for women’s football clubs in Europe. 
      Hayes added: “I think winning always breeds confidence, that’s for sure. 
      “But these are two different competitions and you do perform differently in the league over the Champions League as it’s a different style of opponent.
      “I think for the neutral our match against Man City is going to be a great game to watch knowing that the outcome will play a massive factor in where the league title is going to end up. 
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      A win for Chelsea against Man City would put them five points ahead in the WSL with two games remaining this termCredit: PA
      “I’ve been here long enough to know that I’m used to these games, so forgive me for not sounding delirious about it.
      “It’s just another one for us in what has already been a brilliant season so far.
      “What I know is that this these are the top two teams in England, playing on Wednesday vying for the league. 
      “And I think Man City’s qualities, throughout the season with the quality that they’ve got amongst their group, have demonstrated why they are in and around it.”
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      Fans compare Gunners centurion Miedema to Messi and Ronaldo ahead of Brighton clash

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      VIVIANNE MIEDEMA has Arsenal fans ranking her alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi following her 100th appearance for the Gunners. And the Dutch forward is now just eight goals short of scoring one hundred times for the club after netting in her side’s 10-0 drubbing of Gillingham.
      Miedema marked her 100th Gunners appearance with a goal bringing her tally to 92Credit: PA
      Fans who watched Miedema help her team set up a fifth-round Women’s FA Cup clash with Crystal Palace praised her remarkable feat on Twitter.
      One supporter claimed Arsenal’s Prem side, who are currently languishing in ninth in their league, would be in a higher position if the Netherlands star played for the men’s team.
      Another described her as ‘The Real Goat’ of our time’ whilst a fellow Gooner called her the ‘Cristiano Ronaldo of women’s football’
      The club’s official account hailed the striker’s efforts with goat emojis in their caption.
      And while raving about Miedema’s clinical finishing a Gunners follower described the 2019 Women’s World Cup finalist as more like Messi.
      But one tweeter offered a diplomatic solution. They stated her pitch skills were similar to both stars and opted to call her “Cristiano Messi.”
      Breaking records in the women’s top-flight has become the norm for Miedema who has enjoyed phenomenal success at Arsenal since her 2017 move from Bayern Munich.
      This season, she smashed the WSL all-time scoring record with 50 goals in just 52 games.
      And the Gunners ace, who is due to play Brighton with her team, has racked up 17 goals in 18 Women’s Super League games this term.
      The former Bundesliga Women’s star is also on course to win the WSL Golden Boot award for the third year running, but faces stiff competition from Chelsea’s Sam Kerr.
      Vivianne Miedema is just eight goals short of scoring one hundred times for Arsenal
      Fans have been debating whether Miedema is more like Ronaldo or Messi

      Chelsea’s Kerr has also clocked up 17 goals and with both rivals providing five assists for their respective sides this season.
      Miedema is yet to sign a new deal with Arsenal, who are third and pushing for a Champions League qualification for next season.
      And the club hopes a top-three finish and a place in one of Europe’s most prestigious football contest will entice the Netherlands striker to sign a new contract.
      Miedema recently revealed that she would love to play for her childhood dream team Feyenoord
      The Eredivisie giants plan to launch a women’s team next season.
      Miedema and her Arsenal team-mates are due to take on Brighton next in the WSLCredit: Zuma Press
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      Former Wales Women’s skipper slams ‘Big 6’ breakaway as stars of the women’s game hit out at plans

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      LAURA MCALLISTER described the plans of six of England’s biggest clubs to form a European Super League as an ‘existential threat’ to football. The former Cardiff City ace is among a number of influential figures in the women’s sport to criticise the breakaway. 
      Laura McAllisters fears a European Super League could damage football from grassroots to international levelCredit: Getty
      McAllister, 57, who has 24 international Wales caps and is aiming to become Uefa’s female rep on the Fifa Council, was reacting to the announcement on BBC Radio Five Live.
      Twelve European sides will be involved in the £4.6billion league unveiled the night before Uefa’s confirmation of an overhauled Champions League. 
      The 12-club group – led by Real Madrid – includes Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Man United and Tottenham. 
      They are a part of what will be 15 founding sides who cannot be relegated from the closed shop competition. 
      And in statements published on their websites, Arsenal and Chelsea said there are plans to set up a corresponding women’s league. 
      In a thread on Twitter McAllister, who played as a defender for Cardiff City Ladies for 12 years, says she is deeply concerned by the breakaway.
      THREAD 1/4 I’m deeply concerned by the prospect of a breakaway European super league. The implications would be devastating to the game from grassroots to most clubs to international level. The whole model that’s worked so well for so long would be up-ended with potentially 1/4— Laura McAllister 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@LauraMcAllister) April 18, 2021

      McAllister told Radio Five Live: “This is a fundamental and existential threat to football as we know it. 
      “I have made it pretty clear in my statement yesterday evening that this is a threat to every single player in football, every single club in football and every single child who wants to go grow up supporting their local team. 
      “This hits at the heart of football. Football has always been a local game that belongs to communities. 
      “Now we can be very romantic about that and say that changed a long time ago
      Officials at Arsenal and Chelsea say they are plans to set up women’s version of the European Super LeagueCredit: Zuma Press

      “But to create a league that is effectively a closed league, with the biggest clubs guaranteed to play each other year-on-year and hoover up the lion’s share of the money and then wander back into domestic leagues, is a complete anathema to everything that we believe in within football. 
      “My statement was absolutely critical because I am contesting the election on the basis of supporting football from grassroots to the elite. 
      “This hits at the very heart of all of that. All of us in the European football family have to come together and stand strong and stand together 
      “We have just come out from one of the worst periods of football and sport on the back of Covid. 
      “We need solidarity not selfish interventions. This damages the very roots of our game.
      Lianne Sanderson has branded the plans a ‘disgrace’Credit: Getty
      Spanish juggernauts Real, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid and Italian rivals Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan make up the rest of the group of 12 involved in the breakaway super league. 
      The move has sparked uproar amongst fans and players including stars from the women’s game. 
      Football pundit and former Arsenal ace Lianne Sanderson described the move as ‘a disgrace’. 
      And on Twitter, Wales international midfielder Jess Fishlock labelled it as ‘pure greed’. 
      Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden is due to give an urgent Commons statement to MPs today on plans to stop several top football clubs from creating the super league.
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      Man City 8 Aston Villa 0 – Chloe Kelly on fire as City crush Villa in FA Cup before title battle with Chelsea

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      CHLOE KELLY’S hat-trick helped Manchester City put Aston Villa to the sword to line up an FA Cup clash with West Ham or Chichester.Three clinical strikes from the winger were among the goals that sealed an 8-0 win for rampant City before their title duel with Chelsea. 
      Chloe Kelly scored her first hat-trick as Man City brushed Aston Villa aside in the Women’s FA CupCredit: Getty
      US star Sam Mewis was also target for Gareth Taylor’s teamCredit: Getty
      And the game saw Kelly register her first hat-trick. 
      The City winger, 23 said: “I feel like I’ve really flown in this game and it was great to start on the front foot and not really to take our foot off the gas.
      “We really want to win this trophy and we’ll keep pushing every round to become better and our eyes are set on Wembley. 
      “This is a crucial time of the season and we want to push on and be at our best. 
      “It just about taking each game as it comes but really looking after each other, looking after our bodies and getting our recovery right. 
      “Every game is huge for us now and we know what it will take for us to win the title. 
      “We’re really going to focus on how we can break down Chelsea and what we can do on Wednesday night to get a result.”
      Aston Villa had to weather pressure as early as the third minute with a Kelly cross narrowly close to being headed in
      But Villa stopper Sian Rogers pulled off a fine save to keep the scoreline level. 
      Rose Lavelle and her team-mates will take on Chelsea next in the WSLCredit: Getty

      But the hosts took the lead in the 16th minute via a stunning hooked effort from Kelly following Lauren Hemp’s in-swinging corner. 
      City doubled their lead minutes after the half-hour mark with Ellen White on target.
      Kelly made it three close to half-time with a fine show of strength to hold off her marker to register her brace.   
      The second period saw no let-up on Villa’s defence with Georgia Stanway, Janine Beckie and Rose Lavelle coming on as substitutes. 
      Beckie netted a superb curled effort from near the touchline minutes into the second-half. 
      And Stanway made it five with her strike through a crowded Villa penalty box.  
      Georgia Stanway scored for City who will play West Ham or Chichester in the fifth round of the Women’s FA CupCredit: PA
      A Rose Lavelle effort and Kelly poking home late for her hat-trick sealed a convincing win for the hosts. 
      And Sam Mewis got on the act in the final minutes to net City’s eighth goal. 
      West Ham are up next for Villa in the league with the Irons two points and two places above the Midlands outfit. 
      And Villa boss Marcus Bignot made it clear WSL survival is the priority for his side who are bottom of the table. 
      Their Tuesday night clash with the Hammers will be followed by relegation-battling games against Birmingham and Bristol City. 
      And the Villa will take on the Irons again on May 2 in what could be a decisive contest to beat the drop. 
      Bignot said: “I know the beauty of the FA Cup and it is the best competition.
      “But we had to sacrifice it. For our squad the importance is Tuesday (and the game against West Ham).
      Aston Villa are due to play West Ham next league as they battle to beat the dropCredit: Zuma Press
      “I judged today on individual performances in terms of one or two or three or four getting into the reckoning for the starting eleven on Tuesday.
      “People will see this from afar and think, ‘8-0, Villa are down’. 
      “Let’s hope they have that mindset and that thinking when they come and play us because I know what’s in this group.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Marcus Bignot says WSL survival is Aston Villa’s priorityCredit: Rex
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      Man City boss Taylor hails versatile Stanway but says position changes can frustrate players

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      GARETH TAYLOR praised Georgia Stanway’s knack for playing in multiple positions for club and country. However, the Man City boss reckons covering different roles can be ‘frustrating’ for players with Stanway and her team-mates set to battle Aston Villa in the Women’s FA Cup. 
      Gareth Taylor believes Georgia Stanway’s versatility on the pitch has been a boost for Man City this season
      Stanway’s swashbuckling performances for Man City have won her praise this seasonCredit: Sportimage
      Stanway, 22, has performed in various areas on the pitch for England and Man City this term including at right-back and further up the field in attack. 
      The midfielder has netted 29 goals in 71 appearances across all competitions for City since her 2015 move from Blackburn Rovers Ladies. 
      And Lancashire-born Stanway hopes her adaptability, which has won her plaudits, could land her place in Team GB’s squad before the Tokyo Olympics. 
      Taylor, 48, said: “We have players like Georgia who are able to play in a number of positions, and not just play there but really bring things and Georgia certainly does that.
      “Sometimes for these players who are versatile, it can be quite frustrating because you never really get to play in one position for a period of time. 
      “I think at the turn of the year she was playing as an attacking midfielder for a consistent run of games. 
      “I always say to my players that as frustrating as it can be, I think it’s about taking it as a compliment that we trust individuals like Georgia to be able to play in various positions.”
      Taylor, whose City side are fighting to win the FA Cup for a second successive season, says he has no intention of underestimating Aston Villa in their fourth round clash.
      This is despite the last encounter between the sides ending in a 7-0 drubbing of Marcus Bignot’s team at the Academy Stadium. 
      Taylor added: “You can’t underestimate teams. For Villa, it is a free hit.
      “They are playing away and will have a game plan to try and beat us. 
      “We want to defend our trophy, it’s the first trophy I won. It was an amazing moment and we want to win it again.”
      Man City hope to notch up their third win of the season against Aston VillaCredit: Rex

      A home match against title rivals Chelsea will be up next for Taylor’s side following their duel with Villa 
      And it could prove a pivotal game in the battle for the WSL crown for City who are currently without skipper Steph Houghton who is recovering from an Achilles injury.
      Taylor added: “People are naturally going to have an eye on our remaining WSL games, but for us, the most important game is the Villa game.” 
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Man City will face Aston Villa in the Women’s FA Cup without skipper Steph Houghton who is recovering from an Achilles injuryCredit: Getty
      Lionesses in training More