Robert de Pauw previews crucial meeting with Brighton | OneFootball

Robert de Pauw sat down with the media to preview Aston Villa’s crucial meeting against Brighton at the Broadfield Stadium. Jordan Nobbs is destined to make history in the fixture with the midfielder set to become the all-time leader in WSL appearances.

Following on from their draw against Spurs last week, Villa secured their first win of the season against Crystal Palace in Wednesday night’s League Cup fixture. They’ll certainly look to build on this momentum in what De Pauw believes will be a ‘tough match’ against the Seagulls.

‘She’s the first one on the pitch and the last one to go off in training…’

Jordan Nobbs is set to make history this weekend, making her 193rd appearance in the WSL. The Villa boss spoke of the ‘privilege’ of working with someone who has ‘earned their stripes in the game’.

“She’s the first one on the pitch and the last one to leave training. Sometimes, I have to hold her back a little. We gave her some rest against Crystal Palace to keep her fresh. The quality is just there, and it’s a big, big enjoyment to work with her,” De Pauw explained.

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‘Sometimes I have to squeeze myself being so lucky with these attacking players’

In Villa’s midweek win against Crystal Palace, former Seagull Katie Robinson scored her first goal in claret and blue. As she faces her former side this weekend, Robert de Pauw expressed her importance to the team this season.

“I think she will, for sure, make an impact in the minutes she gets. And it’s up to them [the players competing for wide roles] to push each other and give me a headache every week,” De Pauw told the media.

He also spoke highly of Robinson’s performance against Crystal Palace, believing she posed a solid ‘threat in that game.’

The Villa boss highlighted the depth in wide attacking roles, admitting he feels ‘lucky with these attacking players,’ including Kirsty Hanson, Chasity Grant, and Adriana Leon, all of whom he praised.

‘I think it will be a good battle tomorrow’

Following last season’s departures of Carla Ward from Aston Villa and Melissa Phillips from Brighton, both sides are experiencing fresh starts with new managers and notable signings, which could shake up their positions in the table.

Last season, the West Midlands side finished just outside the top six, which is where Robert de Pauw aims to be by the end of this season. Brighton finished ninth, just five points behind Villa. As it stands, on paper, Brighton has had a better start, with three points on the board and a narrow 1-0 loss to Man City.

Commenting on Brighton, De Pauw agreed that the Seagulls have looked ‘bright,’ making ‘quite a good impression’ in the first few games. “I think you can already see the coach’s stamp on the team, which is a good sign for them. They’ve brought in some quality players, including Seike, Vilamala, and, of course, Fran Kirby. It’s a good mix, and I think it will be a good battle tomorrow.”

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