Predicted position from our writers: 9th (Note: this does not necessarily reflect Sophie Downey’s individual view, but represents the average prediction from the panel)
Last season’s position: 9th
Prospects
Aston Villa endured a difficult campaign last season, with ninth place falling short of the expectations shared by the club and its supporters. Even so, Natalia Arroyo’s side regularly displayed encouraging qualities. The squad remains a developing group filled with youthful energy and, although it is not yet the finished article, its potential is obvious. That sense of promise should generate plenty of optimism as Arroyo begins her second season in charge.
A busy summer has given the Spanish coach another opportunity to reshape the squad around her preferred approach, which is built on fast and direct football. Several experienced players have left, including Sarah Mayling, Sabrina D’Angelo and Ebony Salmon, while Lucy Staniforth has retired. Villa have responded by bringing in promising players such as Akane Okuma, Kamilla Melgård and Mia McAulay, alongside England Under-20 international Lily Murphy on loan.
Kirsty Hanson’s exit represents a significant setback for Arroyo. The 28-year-old contributed nearly 43% of Villa’s goals last season, making the search for a replacement source of attacking output one of the coach’s main challenges. Rachel Daly’s return to full fitness provides encouragement, while Amalie Vangsgaard adds valuable experience. However, the defence remains the greatest concern. Villa recorded the second-worst defensive record in the division last season and must become far more secure if they are to climb the standings.
Off-field picture
Villa continue to expand their activities away from the field, with the women’s side operating independently. Managing director Maggie Murphy has identified rebuilding connections with supporters as a major priority, and the club’s recent work reflects that aim. Last season included a partnership with Level Playing Field, an International Women’s Day event and a women’s fashion collection created with AFTA Studios. Saathi House, a Birmingham foundation supporting women, young people and migrant communities, also appeared on the front of the team’s shirts during the World Sevens Tournament.
The manager
Arroyo’s opening 18 months in the Women’s Super League have produced mixed results, but the energetic coach undoubtedly offers a distinctive presence. She is highly animated in the technical area and remains deeply involved throughout every match. Her tactical intentions are clear: Villa look to move forward directly and use quick attackers to exploit space behind opposing defences. Arroyo is also willing to trust emerging players, as demonstrated by the progress of Lucia Kendall and Rachel Maltby last season.
Star signing
Mathilde Harviken could provide an effective answer to Villa’s defensive problems. The Norwegian centre-back likes to defend aggressively on the front foot and is also comfortable distributing the ball. Although she is only 24, Harviken already possesses considerable experience. She joined from Juventus after making almost 50 appearances and winning the Serie A championship in the 2024-25 season. A senior Norway international since the age of 20, she also played at the 2023 World Cup and the 2025 European Championship.
Stat attack
Improving defensively must be a priority for Villa. Although only five teams scored more league goals last season, relegated Leicester were the sole side to concede more. Much of Villa’s vulnerability came inside the penalty box, where 75.9% of the shots they faced originated, compared with the competition average of 68.6%. That division-high percentage helps explain why Villa conceded more goals from within their own area than Leicester.
Set for a breakthrough
At 20 years old, Melgård belongs to an exciting generation of Norwegian prospects to emerge in recent seasons. She arrives at Villa following two campaigns with Madrid CFF in Liga F. Her versatility allows her to operate centrally or on the wing, while she also carries a scoring threat, as demonstrated in Villa’s recent friendly against Paris FC. Having represented Norway from under-16 level onwards, she is now part of the country’s under-23 setup.
What they say …
“There is a genuine sense that we are creating a determined and hard-working side. The players believe in our approach and recognise how important the coming year will be for the team,” – Arroyo.
Where are they playing their home games?
Villa Park will continue to stage every Women’s Super League home fixture, while cup matches will take place at Hednesford’s Keys Park Stadium. The club has introduced several ticketing measures for Villa Park this summer, including frozen prices, a new category for supporters aged 18 to 25, a four-game package and the return of the 82 Champions Club hospitality option. Supporters may still take alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks into the stadium, while a designated alcohol-free section will also be available.
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