Matt Beard Press Conference: Aston Villa vs Liverpool Preview

Matt Beard previews Aston Villa's clash with Liverpool in the FA Cup

Beard: "We're going to need to be close to perfect to overcome Liverpool."

Aston Villa head coach Matt Beard says his side will need to be close to perfect to overcome Liverpool in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Liverpool are the reigning champions and one of the most successful teams in the world while Villa are battling relegation from the Women's Super League.

The cup clash at Villa Park is therefore a major challenge for Villa but Beard is confident his side can produce an upset.

He said: "We know it's going to be a tough game but we've worked hard all week and we're ready.

"We'll need to be close to perfect to overcome Liverpool. They're a great side but we believe in ourselves and we're going to give it our all."

Liverpool are without leading goalscorer, Yana Daniels, who will serve a ban after her red card in the Continental Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester United.

Beard believes this gives Villa a chance to exploit Liverpool's defence.

He said: "Liverpool are a very good side but they're not invincible.

"They're missing a key player in Daniels. That's a big blow for them and it gives us a glimmer of hope."

Villa have lost their last three games in the WSL and are bottom of the table but Beard insists the cup competition provides a welcome distraction.

He said: "The cup is a great opportunity for us to put our league form behind us and show what we can do.

"We're going to go out there and give it our all. We want to win for our fans and we want to reach the next round."