FAWSL 2020/2021: Aston Villa Women vs Birmingham City Women

The WSL has had many fiercely-contested derbies over the years, but the Second City derby has never taken place. This weekend saw the first edition of this rivalry occur between Aston Villa Women and Birmingham City Women at Villa Park. This tactical analysis will look at the tactics that both sides used to try and beat the other, both in defensive and attacking phases, as well as how tactical changes helped to swing the game in Birmingham’s favour in the second half.

Lineups

Aston Villa Women made just one change from the team that beat Brighton and Hove Albion Women last weekend, with defender Natalie Haigh moving to the bench. Experienced player Anita Asante slotted into the defence in her place, having played in midfield against Brighton, with captain Marisa Ewers coming off the bench and into the midfield to fill the hole. Scotland midfielder Chloe Arthur started against her former side, having left Birmingham to join Aston Villa over the summer, whilst the front three of Denmark striker Stine Larsen, Shania Hayles and Jodie Hutton again lined up together.

Birmingham City Women, despite having injuries throughout the team, managed to put together a team of 15 players without needing to delve into their academy. They made two changes from the team that lost at West Ham United Women in their last game, with right-sided player Sarah Mayling injured and on-loan Chelsea Women winger Jamie-Lee Napier left out. Connie Scofield moved to the right-wing, with Chloe McCarron coming off the bench to play alongside Mollie Green in midfield. Forward Emma Kelly also came off the bench, taking Napier’s place. In-form striker Claudia Walker again led the line, whilst their defence was also unchanged. The aforementioned injuries meant that the away side only had two substitutes in their matchday squad.