Aston Villa boss Carla Ward hopes to keep proving the doubters wrong by maintaining her side's climb up the Women’s Super League table.

Ward was under severe pressure after the Villans lost their first five league matches this season and sat rock-bottom but she is now targeting the top six following four straight wins in all competitions.

Villa bid to extend the run to five matches on Sunday at home against Everton.

Ward said: "It's what I've done my whole career, is prove people wrong. 

"In football, you can lose a few games and your under pressure, you're the worst, you need to go, you're clueless. You win a few games and you're back to doing your job.

"What I will say is, the football club backed me, the fans have backed me, the players have backed me. It was really important that we stuck together and we're in a good place."

When Villa lost their fifth successive league game, a 6-0 home defeat to Chelsea at the start of this month, Ward's future was in doubt. 

She added: "It's funny isn't it? 

"We were sat here only three weeks ago, bottom of the league and everyone's saying what they've got to say and then if we win at the weekend and results go our way, all of a sudden you're sitting seventh, knocking on the door for top six."

Ward has no new injury concerns following Wednesday’s 7-0 win against Blackburn in the Conti Cup but defender Lucy Parker is still out.

Everton, winless in their last four league games and a point below Villa in 10th place, are still without Elise Stenevik and Lucy Hope. 

Manager Brian Sorensen revealed Italy midfielder Aurora Galli will be assessed after sustaining a knock on Thursday in training.

The club confirmed later on Friday that Martina Piemonte will start a three-match ban.

The Italy striker has been charged with violent conduct after an off-the-ball incident during last weekend's home draw against Bristol City and Everton opted not to appeal this decision.