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      Wiegman wants Beth Mead to build up Arsenal minutes before considering England return for Gunners star

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      SARINA WIEGMAN says Beth Mead must get her consistency back on the pitch for her club before being reconsidered for England.  The forward made a winning comeback for Arsenal on Sunday after battling back to fitness from a knee injury sustained in November. 
      England chief Sarina Wiegman wants Beth Mead to build up match minutes and consistencyCredit: PA
      Lionesses star Mead made a return to competitive match action on Sunday after recovering from a long-term knee injuryCredit: Getty
      Chelsea’s Fran Kirby has returned to England’s squad for the first time this year ahead of their games against BelgiumCredit: Reuters
      Wiegman’s squad announcement ahead of the Lionesses’ upcoming Women’s Nations League fixtures included a recall for Fran Kirby.
      The fit-again Chelsea forward is back with Lionesses for the first time this year. 
      However Mead has been left out of the head coach’s 25-strong group with the team facing Belgium in a double-header later this month. 
      Earlier today England boss Wiegman said: “Beth is in a good place now but has been out for nine months. To be honest, she was not close
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      “She had her first minutes which was nice to see, but she first has to build at (her) club, to get that consistency back and then we have an opportunity to select her.
      “She just came on the pitch (against Aston Villa) for the first time in a competitive game. She came on in the 88th minute. She needs consistency. 
      “That has to do with performance and also staying healthy.”
      Kirby’s call-up follows the playmaker’s return to match action last Saturday during the Blues 2-0 defeat of West Ham in the league. 
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      The game at Kingsmeadow was her first competitive appearance since recovering from a knee injury sustained in February 
      An injury that led her to miss this year’s Women’s World Cup and much of the second half of last season. 
      Wiegman added: “It’s very nice Fran is back on the pitch. She’s fit and healthy. 
      “I thought she played very well when she came back on the pitch. 
      “She’s been building up to those moments in the summer.
      “She has shown enough quality in her performance that I think it’s good she comes back into the team.
      “She was really happy when I called her and she’s good to go.”
      England’s duels with Belgium, which includes an away game in Leuven, comes in the same month as a suspected terror attack in Brussels. 
      Two people were shot dead in Belgium’s capital on Monday before a Euros 2024 qualifier between the nation and Sweden with the shooting prompting the game to be abandoned. 
      The incident saw the country’s terror alert raised to its highest levels with  Prime Minister Alexander De Croo describing the attack as “brutal”
      Wiegman said:  “Of course it’s an awful situation. Two people killed, very, very horrible.
      “The FA has had conversations with the Belgium FA and it’s all about safety. “I feel safe enough to go there.
      “There are conversations going on and they will do everything to make us safe.
      England’s squad includes two new young faces with Man City goalkeeper Khiara Keating, 19, and Spurs midfielder Grace Clinton, 20 – on loan from Manchester United – getting their first call-ups.
      Keating’s standout shot-stopping displays for City has seen the team concede just once in three WSL games. 
      And the teenage City starlet has started in the three WSL games City have played so far with club team-mate Ellie Roebuck on the bench last time out. 
      Khiara Keating has been called up to England’s senior squad for the first time in her careerCredit: GettyEngland Women’s Squad – Women’s Nations LeagueGoalkeepers

      Mary Earps (Manchester United), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Manchester City), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City)
      Defenders
      Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Manchester City), Lucy Parker (Aston Villa), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)
      Midfielders
      Grace Clinton (Tottenham – on loan from Manchester United), Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Katie Zelem (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Barcelona).
      Forwards
      Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Jess Park (Manchester City), Alessia Russo (Arsenal).

      Along with Keating, Roebuck has been included in the England squad as one of four goalkeepers including Hannah Hampton and England number one Mary Earps. 
      Both Roebuck and Chelsea shot stopper Hampton are yet to make appearances for their club sides this term with both facing a battle for minutes. 
      However Wiegman insists the duos’ calibre has earned them enough credit for national selection. 
      The head coach added: “Both of them have built a little bit of credit with us because they have been with us and trained well. 
      “I still think they are two of the best in the country but I hope in the future they get minutes. 
      Grace Clinton has also received her first senior Lionesses call-up this monthCredit: Getty
      “It does make it a little bit complicated but I still feel they are the best in the country.”
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      Barcelona ace Keira Walsh is back in the squad after missing the team’s games against Scotland in November. 
      But there were no places for Jordan Nobbs, Lucy Staniforth, Laura Coombs, and Katie Robinson with the quartet omitted.  More

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      Glamorous footballer Alisha Lehmann sends fans wild in bikini snaps as they say ‘I’ll be there in five’

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      ALISHA LEHMANN has sent fans into meltdown as she stunned in a revealing bikini.The Aston Villa star stripped down to a tight pink outfit to leave her 15.7million followers obsessed.
      Alisha Lehmann stunned in a pink bikiniCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      Fans were left in awe of the glamorous footballerCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      Some followers begged to join the Swiss beauty on the beachCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      Alisha has 15.7m followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      Lehmann uploaded four throwback summer snaps to her Instagram of her soaking up the sun on the beach in the Bahamas before enjoying a splash from the waves.
      The Swiss beauty showed off her curves in the photos and they have been a hit online, amassing close to 1.4million likes.
      Fans have been left in awe of her and begged to join the 24-year-old at the picturesque setting.
      One said: “I’ll be there in five.”
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      Another added: “Beautiful.”
      A third reacted: “Marry me?”
      More commented: “The best.”
      Lehmann is no stranger to leaving many stunned and she has been dubbed the “world’s sexiest footballer.”
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      The former West Ham and Everton forward continues to give fans a treat in her 2024 calendar.
      Her fame has seen celebs like Drake slide into her DMs and one A-lister even offered her £90,000 for sex.
      Lehmann, who used to Villa men’s team-mates Douglas Luiz, scored six goals in 31 games last term.
      Alisha Lehmann has been dubbed ‘the world’s sexiest footballer’Credit: instagram/alishalehmann7
      Lehmann featured for Switzerland at the World CupCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7
      She plays for Aston VillaCredit: Getty More

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      Smiling Alex Scott looks awkward as BBC presenter is serenaded by adoring Arsenal fans while covering WSL clash

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      ARSENAL legend Alex Scott received a hero’s welcome when she returned to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.The former full-back was on presenting duty for the Women’s Super League clash between Arsenal and Aston Villa alongside pundits Anita Asante and Gilly Flaherty.
      Alex Scott was serenaded by Arsenal fans on her return to the EmiratesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alexscott2/
      Fans chanted ‘Alex Scott, she’s one of our own’Credit: https://www.instagram.com/alexscott2/
      Ahead of the match, she recorded some broadcasting links in front of the stadium while surrounded by adoring fans.
      The onlookers chanted “Alex Scott, she’s one of our own,” while the presenter prepared to speak.
      Scott, 39, then moved pitchside, where fans began singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to her.
      The Arsenal icon celebrated her 39th birthday on Saturday.
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      Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners went on to win the match 2-1 following a late comeback in added time.
      Aston Villa opened the scoring against the run of play in the first half through Maz Pacheco.
      But the Gunners fought back as Ballon d’Or nominee Katie McCabe equalised in the 92nd minute.
      Summer signing Alessia Russo then scored the winner in the 94th minute following an assist from Beth Mead, who was making her return to football 11 months after suffering an ACL injury.
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      Fans then sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to the Arsenal legendCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alexscott2/
      Scott shared the video on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alexscott2/
      After the match, Mead told Sky Sports: “To get on the pitch felt like Christmas for me. 
      “I’ve worked hard mentally and physically throughout this rehab. 
      “It’s not an easy one especially after doing it with your partner (Vivianne Miedema) who has also done the same thing (suffered a knee injury).
      “To get on the pitch – especially in front of the fans – I had goosebumps and I had to keep the emotion in for that one. 
      “I’ve had so many emotions all day. I’ve been excited, I’ve been nervous. Will I get on (the pitch). Will I not get on. 
      “Warming up, it feels like you’re never going to get that chance.
      “But I was so happy to get on the pitch especially at the Emirates where I did my knee (injury)”. 
      The former Arsenal star shared a hug with Beth Mead, who made her return from injuryCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alexscott2/ More

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      Arsenal and England Lionesses star Leah Williamson reveals awkward wardrobe malfunction while collecting OBE

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON opened up on her awkward wardrobe malfunction while chatting with pal Alex Scott.The 26-year-old was pitchside at the Emirates as Arsenal Women prepared to take on Aston Villa earlier today.
      Leah Williamson was speaking pitchside at the EmiratesCredit: BBC
      Williamson receives her OBE from Prince William
      Williamson, 26, recently collected her OBECredit: Getty
      The defender was chatting to pal Alex Scott pitchsideCredit: BBC
      Williamson remains sidelined by an ACL injury suffered earlier this year.
      But ahead of today’s match, broadcast on BBC One, she stopped to chat to pal Scott.
      The defender collected her OBE from Windsor Palace earlier this month, proudly posting a series of snaps from the day to her Instagram account.
      Unbeknown to fans, however, Williamson had suffered an awkward moment.
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      Asked about the experience of collecting her honour by Scott, Williamson said: “I’m glad, I really appreciated it by the time it came around.
      “So a nice day out, a nice moment to reflect on where I’ve come from.
      “But you know me – still so much to do so…”
      Scott then cheekily asked: “What went on with the outfit?”
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      Williamson grinned as she admitted: “The outfit, yeah, my trousers split.
      “I received my OBE not in my best form, but no one knew about it until you just told the whole world, so thanks.”
      Scott then giggled, with Williamson also breaking out into a laugh.
      Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall opened up on yesterday’s Football Focus about the difficulties of being without a series of key players, including Williamson, due to ACL injuries.
      He said: “It’s difficult because they’re such good football players.
      There is only one Leah WilliamsonJonas Eidevall
      “You don’t build a squad where you have two Leah Williamsons, for example.
      “There is only one Leah Williamson. When you have a player like her you decide to play in a way that makes the most out of it.
      “That’s really hard when you’re trying to replace a player like that because there is not a direct replacement on the market.
      “There might be a copy of Leah Williamson that’s not as good and I don’t believe in having a lesser version.”
      Arsenal went on to beat Villa in the most dramatic fashion.
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      Maz Pacheco had given the visitors a 25th minute lead at the Emirates.
      Katie McCabe equalised on 92 minutes, with Alessia Russo finding a stunning winner just moments later.
      Alessia Russo celebrates netting Arsenal’s late winnerCredit: Getty More

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      Aston Villa kit suppliers have two solutions to ‘wet shirt’ problem that risked Alisha Lehmann wardrobe malfunction

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      CASTORE have provided two solutions to Aston Villa’s “wet shirt” problem.Players from both the men’s and women’s teams at Villa have complained about their home kit this season.
      Castore have offered two solutions to Aston Villa’s ‘wet-look’ kit issuesCredit: Getty
      The problem saw Alisha Lehmann and her team-mates risk a wardrobe malfunctionCredit: Rex
      The shirt has become visibly wet during matches due to failing to absorb sweat, making it heavy on the players.
      Members of the Villa women’s team, including Alisha Lehmann, were also at risk of a wardrobe malfunction due to the issue.
      Ahead of the new Women’s Super League season, their players raised concerns about the impact the issue could have after seeing the men’s team play in the wet-look kit.
      According to The Telegraph, kit suppliers Castore have now found the cause of the problem and provided two solutions.
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      The issue is said to have been caused by an “imbalance” related to the sponsor logo on the shirt, rather than the fabric.
      In order to fix the issue, Castore have offered to provide a new batch of kits with small adjustments made to the impacted areas.
      Alternatively, the current batch can be recalled, with the same changes made to those kits.
      Lehmann and her team-mates wore the wet-look kit in their WSL opener against Manchester United earlier this month.
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      After noticing the problem, Villa boss Carla Ward told reporters: “It’s up to the football club’s legal team and Castore to discuss that and deal with that.
      “It’s something I’ve tried to completely ignore, as difficult as that is. The football club are in full control of that.
      “They’ve been excellent with us, myself and the players around it.”
      Villa had reportedly held talks with Castore over cutting their contract short at the end of the season.
      The kit manufacturer are set to begin a new deal with Everton from next summer. More

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      Emma Hayes keen on taking ‘mindful’ approach on Kerr and Kirby return to Chelsea first team action following injuries

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      EMMA HAYES warns Chelsea fans need to be patient when it comes to hopes of seeing Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby starting together this term. The prolific duo are yet to feature in Hayes’ first XI this season with the Blues boss carefully managing their returns.
      Sam Kerr came off the bench for Chelsea in their WSL clash with Manchester City last time outCredit: Getty
      In recent Kerr and Fran Kirby have developed a prolific attacking partnership for ChelseaCredit: Getty
      West Ham will be the Blues’ next opponents in their first WSL game at Kingsmeadow this termCredit: Getty
      Kerr, who has bagged 86 goals in 110 Chelsea games, was a second-half substitute during the title-holders’ dramatic draw with Manchester City last Sunday.
      It was the Blues’ striker’s first top-flight appearance since her return to fitness from a calf injury sustained on World Cup duty with Australia. 
      Hayes, whose team hosts West Ham at Kingsmeadow on Saturday, said: “Yes – Sam played games in the World Cup on the back end.
      “But she didn’t train that entire period. 
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      “She then had a couple of weeks break then had the same injury, so she’s only had one week’s training. We have to be mindful of that. 
      “Sam has had her first full training week and is available for selection. 
      “But you have got to make decisions on what’s right for Sam in the long term, and not just immediate decisions.
      “That’s because the crowd will remember and want to see certain partnerships together. 
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      “As football managers, I don’t think people really realise sometimes you’re managing so many other things that may not always allow you to put players and combinations of players together. 
      “We’re getting closer to it and we’re another week closer, so I’m happy for that reason.
       “I think for the players, they’re just getting back into the rhythm of being there.
      “Coaches always want training weeks, so I’d much rather be in that position, but players always want games.”
      Kerr and Kirby have formed a lethal attacking partnership in recent seasons
      In their first year together during the Blues’ 2020-21 campaign, the team-mates scored and assisted 13 times as a duo. 
      Their prolific displays played a key part in Chelsea claiming the second of four consecutive WSL titles they have won since 2019. 
      However the second half of last term saw Kirby sidelined from knee injury sustained in March during a Conti Cup duel with West Ham.
      Hayes, whose team have one win and one draw, added: “With Fran Kirby – yes, she’s had a pre-season.
      “But she has missed a large chunk of last season, so we’re building particularly Fran into the season.  
      “This is the first week we’ve had Sam being able to train with the team in its entirety and had Fran at the same time, and Lauren at the same time. 
      “I think this week, we’ve looked much more like ourselves.”
      Chelsea’s Saturday evening clash with West Ham will see them play at Kingsmeadow for the first time this term.
      Their previous home game – held at Stamford Bridge – saw them seal a 2-1 win against Tottenham with James and summer-signing Mia Fischel both netting in front of 
      On how the Kingsmeadow and Stamford Bridge atmospheres compare, Hayes said: “I’m a bit old school so I love Kingsmeadow.
      “I like the feeling of the crowd on top of you. 
      “I like the banter you get from the away fans, I enjoy all of that. It makes me chuckle during a game. 
      “But from where I sit (at Kingsmeadow) I can see this section of our longest-serving, most ardent fans singing their tunes. 
      “And you can’t hear that in the biggest stadiums but I for sure can hear it at Kingsmeadow.  I love being there. It’s our other home.”
      Saturday’s game will see Chelsea face Rehanne Skinner’s Irons without the services of Fischel and Guro Reiten with both currently crocked.
      West Ham have won two of their last three games across all competitions under their new boss Rehanne SkinnerCredit: PA
      And Hayes is expecting a tough encounter seventh-placed West Ham side facing Chelsea for the first time under Skinner. 
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      The Blues boss added: “West Ham have all the qualities to do well, particularly because of the way the front two work. 
      “We think they’ve done really well in pre-season and in their first two games from what we’ve analysed. We certainly don’t underestimate them.” More

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      Jorge Vilda to become Morocco women’s boss a month after being fired from Spain head coach job

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      JORGE VILDA is set to return to coaching just over a month after being axed from his role as Spain Women’s boss. The controversial head coach will take charge of Morocco Women’s national team with an official unveiling scheduled on Sunday. 
      Jorge Vilda is to become Morocco women’s coach and sporting directorCredit: AFP
      The unveiling of Vilda as the Atlas Lionesses’ new boss comes 40 days after he was sacked from his role as Spain women’s head coachCredit: Getty
      Vilda, 42, was dismissed from his role as boss of the Women’s World Cup winners two weeks and two days after they won the tournament for the first time on August 20. 
      The firing of the football coach, followed the repercussions that occurred after former Spain FA President Luis Rubiales’ unwanted kiss of Jenni Hermoso. 
      The  ex-Spanish FA chief, 46, kissed Hermoso on the mouth during a medal presentation ceremony for this year’s World Cup winners.
      The incident occurred following Spain’s 1-0 defeat of England in the contest final in Sydney, Australia. 
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      Afterwards the former Barcelona striker, 33, who is her national side’s all-time record scorer, said the kiss was non-consensual.
      It is an allegation which Rubiales denies. 
      Vilda’s sacking last month came ten days after Rubiales was suspended from his job as Spanish FA president
      His former boss would later resign from the post in September following his suspension.
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      Former La Roja gaffer Vilda came under fire for applauding his ex-boss during an emergency Spanish FA assembly.
      During the gathering Rubiales initially refused to quit his role as president following his controversial kiss. 
      Vilda’s impending appointment as Morocco Women’s head coach comes while he is under investigation as part of an alleged sexual assault and coercion case against Rubiales.
      The case was brought to court by Hermoso following the kiss incident.
      Vilda is set to replace Reynald Pedros at the helm of the 2022 Women’s African Cup of Nations finalists. 
      In August the Frenchman guided the team to the World Cup’s last 16 stage with Morocco reaching the tournament’s knockout stage for the first time in their history.
      However Pedros was axed from his role following the team losing two friendly fixtures to Zambia  last month including a 6-2 defeat at home. 
      They are due to play Namibia in November over two legs in round two of CAF’s Women’s Olympic qualifying tournament. 
      Reports in Spain claim Champions League-winning coach Lluis Cortez turned down the chance to become Morocco’s head coach prior to Vilda’s appointment. 
      Morocco made history by reaching the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup for the first time this yearCredit: Alamy
      Spanish sports journalist Andrea Pelaez claimed former Barcelona boss rejected the job upon learning that Vilda would be joining his set-up. 
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      It is thought the ex-La Roja boss was initially expected to become a technical director of grassroots. 
      However he will become the team’s coach and sporting director. More

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      Beth Mead back in full training in boost for Arsenal before Emirates clash with Aston Villa

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      BETH MEAD has given Arsenal a huge boost with the forward back in full training for the first time since her return to fitness from a serious knee injury. The WSL ace, 28, was put through her paces earlier today with her team-mates before their Emirates duel with Aston Villa.
      Beth Mead did some training with her team-mates earlier this term and is now back in full sessionsCredit: Getty
      The WSL star, who helped Arsenal win the league in 2019, is nearing a return to action for Jonas Eidevall’s sideCredit: Getty
      The Gunners fans’ favourite took part in a behind-closed-doors training match with Arsenal’s women’s youth players on Wednesday. 
      Her last appearance for Jonas Eidevall’s team was last November during their 3-2 loss to Manchester United in the league at the Emirates.
      Back then the Euros Golden Boot winner ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament.
      The injury saw her sidelined for the rest of last season with the WSL star missing also this summer’s World Cup.
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      Mead’s return to full training comes at a time of mixed results for the Gunners so far this term.
      Eidevall’s side, who finished third in the WSL season, have picked up one point from their first two top-flight games.
      The league cup holders fell to a surprise 1-0 season-opening loss to Liverpool before going on to earn a point on the road against Manchester United last Friday. 
      The WSL giants also fell to a surprise loss to Paris FC in the Women’s Champions League.
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      The Gunners, who reached the contest semis this year, were knocked out of the tournament’s qualifiers after losing a penalty shootout. 
      During the season before her knee injury, Mead notched up 11 goals and eight assists in 20 WSL games. 
      And her stunning displays on the international stage help England win the Women’s Euros for the first time last summer.
      The forward finished as the tournament’s top scorer bagging six goals.
      This Sunday will see Mead’s side chase their first win of the season when they host Villa, who they have beaten four times in six WSL encounters.  
      Rachel Daly and her Aston Villa pals will take on Arsenal at the Emirates with both teams chasing their first wins this seasonCredit: Getty
      So far the club have sold more than 32,500 tickets for the fixture which kicks off at 2:00 pm at the Emirates on October 15.
      The last meeting between the rivals ended in a 2-0 away loss for the Gunners on the final day of last season. 
      However this term Villa are yet to pick up a point after losing to Manchester United and Liverpool in their season-opening matches. More