Aston Villa XI vs Chelsea – Predicted lineup and team news

Kingsmeadow, Sunday 29 March 2026, 12:00 GMT – Aston Villa arrive in south-west London chasing a slice of history. After 11 straight defeats against Chelsea in the Women’s Super League, manager Natalia Arroyo believes her eighth-placed side can finally post a first point – or more – against the Blues.

Villa’s recent form supports the optimism. Four points from the last six, including a resilient goalless draw with Manchester City and a stirring comeback victory at Leicester City, have lifted spirits inside the camp. That win at the King Power saw Kirsty Hanson and Anna Patten both find the net, and the pair are expected to carry that confidence into today’s contest.

Arroyo, however, continues to juggle a depleted squad. Rachel Daly and Gabi Nunes remain sidelined, while Missy Bo Kearns is unavailable after announcing her pregnancy earlier this month. The return of Japan international Maya Hijikata from Asian Cup duty offers a timely attacking boost; the forward’s pace and creativity are viewed as essential weapons against a Chelsea back line that has conceded in eight consecutive league fixtures.

In goal, Ellie Roebuck keeps her place behind a back four of Adriana Wilms, Patten, Anita Parker and Jenna Nighswonger. Oriane Jean-François will sit at the base of midfield alongside Jill Taylor, tasked with disrupting Chelsea’s possession rhythm. Ahead of them, a fluid three of Rachel Grant, Chloe Kendall and Laura Maritz will support lone striker Hanson, who has licence to drift wide and exploit spaces behind the hosts’ full-backs.

A repeat of the disciplined, compact display that frustrated Manchester City will be demanded; anything less risks another chapter in a lopsided head-to-head story. Yet with confidence rising and an opponent leaking goals, Villa sense the moment is ripe to rewrite the narrative.

Aston Villa predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Roebuck; Wilms, Patten, Parker, Nighswonger; Jean-François, Taylor; Grant, Kendall, Maritz; Hanson.