Albion hope Emma Koivisto can continue to be their good luck charm

The 26-year-old signed joined the Seagulls at the start of last month.

Since then, she has started in all three games at left back and Albion have won all three of those matches.

Next up for the Seagulls is a trip to Aston Villa tonight (7.30pm) and head coach Hope Powell has praised Koivisto for how quickly she has settled into to life on the South Coast.

She told The Argus: “She has played three games and we have won three games, so she is doing something right.

“Emma is a great athlete, understands the game, is an international player.

“She is playing on the left when generally she is a right-footed full back, so she has done well to fill that role.

“However, she has played at left back for Finland so it is something she is used to, although she would prefer it on her right.

“But she is an athlete can get up and down, understands the game and has slotted in well. She is a popular within the group and has done really well.

“Emma has been a great addition to our side and more importantly since she has started, we have not lost.

“So, she will start on Wednesday and hopefully that will continue.”

Koivisto has been part of an Albion defence which has kept back-to-back clean sheets.

However, Powell insists it is not just the defence who should get recognition for keeping the ball out of the back of the net.

She said: “Make no mistake in it not just about the defenders.

“When we have not got the ball everybody is a defender and we have got the ball everyone is an attacker.

“So, I am really pleased the way that everybody has done their job from the front, got into position early, blocked crosses, blocked strikes.

“It is so important, and we have done that well in the last three games. We have cleared balls off the line, that happened against Tottenham and against West Ham and the blocks against Chelsea.

“I cannot recall how many times that Victoria, midfielders have chased back, centre forwards have tried to press.

“So, I think it is not just about the back five, everybody has played a part in ensuring that we have won the last three games.

“If you are hard to beat you give yourself the best chance.”

The Seagulls opponents Aston Villa have had a tough first season in the WSL.

They sit tenth in the table and only two points above the drop and have lost their last two games against Arsenal and Manchester United.

In the process they have conceded seven goals and not scored any in return.

In the corresponding fixture in November Villa beat Albion 2-0.

But despite their recent form, Powell insists her side cannot afford to underestimate them.

She said: “I think they have got some really good players.

“Marcus Bignot has come in, changed things slightly but we cannot be under illusion that they are not a decent side.

“They will work, we lost to them at home, which was very disappointing for us, but credit to them.

“Since then, they have got a couple of new players since then Mana Iwabuchi being one of them, who is world class talent.

“It is not going to be easy and for them as well they are a team that are new to the league and want to stay in the league as much as we do.

“So, we are expecting a fight and we will have to be ready for that.”

The Seagulls will be boosted by having Kayleigh Green available for selection.

She has served a three-match-ban for being sent off in the defeat to Bristol City.