The Reds return to St Helens Stadium when they host Natalia Arroyo's team in the Barclays Women's Super League.
Villa currently sit 11th in the table – one point above bottom-side Crystal Palace – but the Reds' interim head coach and captain both know only a complete performance will secure the victory they crave.
Read on for snippets of the pair's columns in the matchday programme…
Whiteley
"Aston Villa have got a really talented squad. I don't think they're in a good spot at the moment but they're going to be fighting for every point they can get going forward.
"Rule No.1 is that you respect your opponent and this week has been no different. We have prepared as diligently, as we always do, and we have to be ready to outfight and outplay Villa this afternoon.
"It feels like a lifetime ago that we were last here at St Helens but we're really looking forward to getting back and playing in front of our home fans.
"We want to put on a performance that they can be really proud of and get behind.
"It's going to be tough today against a Villa team fighting for every point, so having our fans with us and their energy and input is going to be really important to help get a win over the line."