Liverpool Women look to close the gap on European qualification as they head to Goodison Park to face rivals Everton.
Liverpool are six points off third place Arsenal, knowing that anything but a win at Goodison could end their hopes of European qualification.
They come into the Merseyside Derby, off the back of a comfortable 3-1 win over West Ham at Prenton Park.
The win against the hammers, was their third win in a row in the Women’s Super League, extending their unbeaten run to four.
Striker Sophie Román Haug will be key for the Reds, as the Norwegian has three goals in her last five games.
Missy Bo Kearns could start at Goodison having scored the second at West Ham.
Coach Matt Beard will be hopeful of a return for Japanese international Fuka Nagano who missed out on Liverpool’s win against West Ham.
Defender Gemma Bonner could return from suspension, whereas Sofie Lundgaard is out for the rest of the season.
Everton come into the Merseyside Derby on a dreadful run, having won only one in their last seven WSL matches.
They lost their last outing 2-1 at home to Aston Villa, and their last victory was on the 18th February, 2-0 against West Ham.
Karoline Olesson returned from injury in the defeat, but Everton defender Elise Stenevik who was sent off against Villa is out.
Midfielder Claire Wheeler expressed how Everton’s recent record in the Derby will play a factor come Sunday afternoon.
Wheeler said: “I think if you look at our track record, we do really well in front of big crowds
“Last year, it was one of my best memories playing in the derby. And I hope this year, we get more people there. It’s an amazing day and I’m looking forward to it.”
Everton lost the previous derby 2-1 earlier in the campaign. But had gone five unbeaten before that meeting.
(pic Alamy Images under agreed licence)
