City host the Villans in a 11:30am kick-off, looking to return to winning ways and climb the league table, following a disappointing run of league results.
Previewing the clash in his pre-match press conference, the Head Coach confirmed the squad came away from Wednesday’s Manchester Derby unscathed with Lauren Hemp having recovered from a shin injury.
Taylor also provided an update on Janine Beckie, who had been left out of Canada’s international squad, and the sidelined trio of Alanna Kennedy, Ellie Roebuck and Esme Morgan.
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Asked of the latest team news, Taylor said: “Alanna Kennedy is progressing quite well, after the initial blow of losing her between Chelsea and United.
“Outside of that I think everyone has come back well over the last couple of days so we are similar to where we were
“Lauren was carrying a shin injury from the clash she had in the Chelsea game. We have had to manage that accordingly. She has come through that so she is in contention.
“[For Janine] It’s just a period of trying to help her get back to full fitness. She could have gone away but she has had an ongoing problem for some time that needs looking at.
“I think there will be some treatment administered and that gives her some recovery time.”
On Morgan and Roebuck, he added: “Esme is going to be the new year and quite a way into the new year.
“She is really progressing well. That’s down to her attitude to taking on the work she needs to do. She has done it to the letter of the law.
“When you are working with someone like that, they are a dream to work with. I think she is ahead of schedule.
“She is a big loss to us due to her versatility. A player like that is priceless.
“It is positive to see she is hitting her markers but I think it is going to be a good couple of months before we see her being anywhere near (ready).
“It takes time. Ellie has had a couple of setbacks in her return to being on the pitch, which has delayed her return slightly.
“It is difficult to put a timeframe on it. The player wants to know when they are back fit and sometimes they can be really disappointed when they get that delay.
“We are hopeful we can get her back close to being on pitch soon but I think it will be a bit longer.”
A win for City would see Taylor’s side leapfrog Villa, who have started the season well with three wins from their opening seven games, including last weekend’s Second City Derby triumph over Birmingham City.
Though recent meetings have swung heavily in City’s favour – the last encounter an 8-0 Women’s FA Cup triumph – Taylor warned his side cannot afford complacency.
“Potentially [it could give us confidence]. It is hard,” he continued. “It seems like a long time ago and it is a different group.
“The focus is on getting a positive result. Villa, as you have seen this season already, have improved.
“Carla [Ward] has added a different dimension. They made it difficult for Chelsea. Chelsea just edged it.
“It’s not going to be easy. It never is. People anticipate when they see on paper that it’s done beforehand but it never is.
“We have to be focused on our small details, approach the game in the right manner and take care of the performance, which usually takes care of the result.
“We have an opportunity now to have a good period. We have proven we can do that. It is a good opportunity for us.”
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