Everton Women vs Manchester United: WSL Match Preview

09/28/2024 03:00 PM

Sorensen: "It's about how we get it right"

Brian Sorensen believes it is vital that his Everton Women team get their gameplan right ahead of the visit of Manchester United this Sunday as the Blues look to bounce back from their opening day defeat to Brighton.

The Toffees welcome Marc Skinner's team having this week received the news that Italian midfielder Aurora Galli sustained an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury against the Seagulls, and looks set to miss the remainder of the season.

Galli joins Melissa Lawley, Emily Ramsey and Karen Holmgaard on the sidelines and Sorensen admits she will be a 'big miss.'

And while Everton go into the game with a mounting injury list and the tag of underdogs, the Blues boss is still firmly focused on his side getting their game right, rather than the quality of the opposition.

"It is still about our own identity and how we get the game right," he said. "Against Brighton we didn't get it right, structurally wise we were a bit all over the place.

"We need to make sure that we get what we are working on right, 100%.

"We know it is a big task, [Manchester] United have a very good team and have recruited very well. It is going to be tough, but we will try and play our way and make sure that we get our gameplan right.

"Every time we go into these games, we always have a chance. We are not the favourites, but we have a chance and that is what we will go for."

The Opposition

Skinner will be bringing an almost full strength side to Walton Hall Park this weekend, with Evie Rabjohn the only confirmed absentee.

Full-back Anna Sandberg is also a doubt but will face a late fitness test.

Goals from Geyse, Leah Galton and Grace Clinton ensured a routine opening victory for United at home to West Ham United last week, as the Red Devils look to improve on last season's fifth-placed finish.

A squad packed with strength and quality that includes former Toffees' Gabby George and Millie Turner, Skinner will look to build on last season's FA Cup triumph, adding new faces to his team, including Canadian international midfielder Simi Awujo.

Previous Meetings

History points firmly towards a win for Sunday's visitors, with United winning eight of the ten league meetings between the two sides, while the other two fixtures ending in a draw.

The only time Everton have claimed victory over the Red Devils in 16 competitive matches came in a Continental Cup triumph in 2020, when Lucy Hope's goal saw the Blues earn a 1-0 win.

Last season's fixture was one to forget for the hosts, with former Blue Nikita Parris striking twice as the visitors ran out 5-0 winners.

Sorensen won't have forgotten that miserable day in October, and may well be using the painful memories as incentive to finally guide his team to a first WSL win over Sunday's opponents.

Everton's first home game of the 2024/25 WSL season at Walton Hall Park takes place on Sunday, 29 September, kick-off 2pm (BST).