Everton Women travel to the capital on Saturday with the hope of a win to take them to within one point of the top six, in what will be a tough test against an Arsenal side looking to go level at the top of the table.
Despite being the only WSL fixture of the day, fans have been left outraged as a scheduling error has prevented the match from being streamed live. The matches are usually available to watch for free on the Football Associations official streaming site. But, due to the 2pm kick off, it clashes with the UK’s Saturday afternoon blackout.
Everton manager Brian Sorensen told BBC Sport: “Yeah, unfortunately, that planning was how it was. There’s not much I can do about that. It shouldn’t happen but unfortunately it did and we learn from it.”
Due to UEFA’s Article 48, Arsenal’s home game against Everton will not be live on FA Player this week. The game will instead be available to watch on FA Player shortly after the conclusion of the match.
— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) January 17, 2024
Sorensen’s side come into the fixture off the back of a convincing 3-0 win in the FA Cup against Aston Villa, with Katja Snoeijs scoring a brace, and the Dane will be hoping his side can take this form back into the league.
The Toffees last league outing before the winter break was a 4-1 home defeat at the hands of high-flying Manchester City.
Everton have had a busy transfer window, announcing the signings of the Danish duo Kathrine Moller Kuhl and Rikke Madsen, however they will be without Kuhl, who is ineligible to face her parent club Arsenal. Sorensen has been handed a boost with long term absentees Elise Stenevik and Lucy Hope returning to the squad.
Jonas Eidevall has plenty of options at his disposal ahead of Everton’s visit, with striker Alessia Russo being announced in the 2023 FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11 this week.
The Swedish manager also looks set to hand out a WSL debut to new signing Emily Fox, the full-back joined from North Carolina Courage this January.
A win for Everton at Meadow Park on Saturday could see them go six points clear of the relegation zone and can be the catalyst for a strong second half of the season.
