Everton Women will host Aston Villa Women at Goodison Park this Sunday aiming to improve their inconsistent away form. The Toffees sit sixth in the FA WSL with nine points from six games, a position built on strong home results. They have recorded three wins and three losses so far, leaving them nine points behind the league leaders, Manchester City. Their recent form across the last five matches shows three wins and two losses.
Their recent run has been a mix of wins and losses. They suffered a 2-1 defeat away to London City Lionesses last weekend, with goals from Delphine Cascarino and Freya Godfrey putting the hosts in control before Hannah Cain pulled one back from a Holly McNamara cross. That loss followed a 2-1 victory over Birmingham City where Ruby Mace scored twice, and a 2-0 defeat in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool. Their fixtures show a clear pattern: three wins at home and three defeats on the road this season. The team has scored five goals and conceded six.
Head coach Scott Phelan will be looking for a response. He praised the impact of substitutes Cain, Aurora Galli, and Noemie Mouchon after the London City game, with the trio coming on in the 63rd minute. The squad also receives a boost with Jutta Rantala included in the matchday group for the first time since the summer, offering a fresh attacking option. Phelan confirmed the team had a midweek fixture to manage, adding another layer to the preparation for Sunday's match.
Villa's mixed form
They beat Liverpool 2-1 in their last outing but were thrashed 4-0 by Tottenham and drew with Brighton in their previous two matches. Their 3-4-2-1 formation, featuring players like Akane Okuma and Vangsgaard, presents a different tactical challenge. Villa's manager highlighted the team's resilience in the Liverpool win but acknowledged defensive vulnerabilities exposed in the heavy loss to Tottenham.
Everton's last starting lineup featured Courtney Brosnan in goal behind a back four of Blundell, Layzell, Ishikawa, and Pacheco. The midfield was anchored by Ruby Mace and Clare Wheeler, with Yuka Momiki, van Gool, and Ornella Vignola supporting striker Holly McNamara. That side will likely see changes as Phelan seeks a formula to end the away-day blues, starting with this key home game. The manager emphasized the importance of Goodison Park as a fortress and stated the objective is to transfer their home confidence into future away performances. The match kicks off on Sunday, 25 October 2026.
