On Sunday, Liverpool will host Everton in the first Merseyside Derby of this season’s Barclays Women’s Super League. It’s been over four years since the Reds got a victory over the Toffees, which leads to the question: is this going to be the long-awaited victory? Fortunately, there are reasons to think so.
Liverpool will enter Sunday’s match with fantastic WSL form on the back of two wins to open their campaign.
The stat sheets reflect a squad that holds firm in the face of attacking presses and makes the most of its chances in the opposing half.
Liverpool opened their WSL season with a gritty 1-0 victory at Arsenal where the Gunners had 61% of possession, 18 shots, and 19 corners.
However, the Reds displayed impressive resiliency, and their tactical precision in the defensive half led them to victory.
In the Reds’ second WSL match, Aston Villa controlled most of the game with 58% of possession, but Liverpool did a much better job of creating chances, and their quick counter-attack helped to retain their unbeaten start to the Women’s Super League season.
The Reds lost midweek to Leicester City in the FA Women’s League Cup, but Matt Beard made seven changes to the starting lineup to ensure rest for some players while others gained some much needed experience.
This strategy is sure to see a well-rested Liverpool squad take the pitch on Sunday.
Everton will enter the match on the heels of three consecutive losses—two in the WSL and one in the League Cup.
However, the Toffees have been competitive in every match, and they’re sure to have extra motivation playing in a Derby.
Expect a gritty match where Everton have a majority of the possession and Liverpool weather attacks while taking advantage of opportunities to go on the counter-attack.
It should be an exhilarating affair that will highlight one of the big rivalries in the Women’s Super League.