Everton Women vs Liverpool: WSL Match Preview
Today at 07:42 AM
Boss praises team's character and promises his side will give everything in the Merseyside Derby
Brian Sorensen has praised his side's character ahead of his team taking to the field for the last ever women's Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
Avoiding defeat may lift the Blues off the bottom of the WSL, while a win would put them only three points behind their local rivals, who currently sit in sixth.
Everton are one of two teams yet to win this season in the league this season, but Sorensen feels that his side has been a bit unfortunate with things so far and that there is no issue regarding character within this squad, which was exemplified with the loss of Lucy Hope so late and conceding against Crystal Palace so early.
"[We showed] great character, I know the squad has that. We had to throw our game plan out on Saturday when we found out Lucy was sick," he said. "Conceding after 30 seconds made the game different."
"It shows great character. We have been really unfortunate to concede early on in four or five games, but then have not conceded after which is a credit to the girls."
Aside from the current injury list, the Blues may also be still be without Hope, who missed last week's draw with the Eagles due to illness, but now faces a challenge regarding her physical fitness.
But Sorensen has assured fans that whoever is picked in the starting XI will give their all against Liverpool while also revealing a personal loved for Goodison Park.
"I have a season ticket here [at Goodison Park] and go as often as I can. It is a great atmosphere," he said.
!For as long as I have been alive, it has been here. The fans when they get behind the team, which we have experienced, is legendary."
"Liverpool are a good team. They have a strong solid base with four of five centre-backs. They have a clear idea of how they want to play and execute it well. They probably have a bit more depth, so we have to be solid for the whole 90 minutes."
"The fans will see 11 girls starting that are ready to give their all for the blue shirt. We wish this game was in round one or two, but here we are in round eight."
The Opposition
Fuka Nagano is set to return from injury for this weekend's trip to Goodison after recovering from an ankle problem.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Liverpool manager Matt Beard reported 'one or two little niggles' among his players, but – with the exceptions of Sofie Lundgaard, Lucy Parry and Sophie Roman Haug – he expects to have a full squad for the clash.
Sitting in mid table, the Reds have had a mixed start to the season with two wins, two defeats and three draws.
Defeats to Chelsea and Manchester United aside, games have been relatively even for Beard's side, who yet to keep a clean sheet in the WSL so far.
Previous Meetings
Last season's 0-0 draw against Liverpool at Goodison Park on the 24th was the first ever goalless draw in the women's Merseyside derby in league football.
Fixtures between the two sides are generally blood-and-guts affairs that are usually decided with the odd goal.
Liverpool are one of Sorensen's favourite teams to play against, having never lost to them in the league, while the Dane last season became the first Everton manager since Howard Kendall to bag two wins at Anfield.
Tickets are still available for the final ever women's derby at Goodison, with the iconic Gwladys Street End open for supporters.
Tickets can be purchased online, or in person at the Goodison Road ticket office.
Opening times for all our ticketing outlets can be found here.
Everton Women vs Liverpool takes place on Sunday 17 November, with a kick-off time of 3pm (GMT).
