Preview: Everton v United Women
Manchester United will be aiming to extend a perfect start to the Barclays Women’s Super League season during Sunday’s trip to Everton.
United currently occupy second position in the table and have an identical record to leaders Arsenal in first. Third-place Chelsea also have 12 points so far but have a lower goal difference and have played a game more.
Ahead of our latest test, here is everything you need to know…
HOW TO WATCH AND FOLLOW
Tickets are sold out for this weekend’s clash on Merseyside but supporters will be able to find matchday updates, including the team news, in the United App and via @ManUtdWomen on Twitter.
The game will also be broadcast live on BBC One in the UK.
THE OPPOSITION
The Toffees have made a strong start to a new era under manager Brian Sorensen, who took over from interim duo Chris Roberts and Claire Ditchburn at the start of the campaign. The Dane, who was formerly in charge of Fortuna Hjorring back in his home country, has guided his side to three wins from their opening five league fixtures which sees them sit in fourth spot in the table at present. Everton’s squad for the 2022/23 campaign boasts the familiar face of United goalkeeper Emily Ramsey, who is on a season-long loan with the Blues.
Marc Skinner explained on Friday that recent absentees Alessia Russo and Grace Clinton are in contention to return for United on Sunday. Ona Batlle will miss the game as a precaution following a concussion sustained earlier this month, while fellow defender Aoife Mannion is continuing her recovery from a long-term knee injury.
As for the hosts, Sorensen explained in his pre-match press conference that Katja Snoeijs is set to be available once more after missing their midweek Conti Cup tie against Aston Villa, although Sunday’s game will come too soon for fellow forward Nicoline Sorensen. Ramsey is ineligible to face United as her parent club.
Skinner issues early team news
ArticleMarc Skinner has revealed how the squad is shaping up ahead of Sunday's away trip to Everton.
Everton’s draw with Villa on Wednesday in the League Cup – in which they picked up the extra point following a triumphant penalty shootout – comes off the back of a victory over the Villans in their most recent league outing. The Toffees’ defeat at home to Chelsea in the fixture prior is their only loss in their last four WSL outings, which have also included wins against Liverpool and Leicester City.
United can make it five wins from five in the WSL on Sunday – following recent victories over Leicester City, Brighton, West Ham and Reading - and will be hoping to take full points from Sunday’s encounter off the back of a draw at Durham in the Conti Cup on Wednesday, in which the Championship side earned the extra point in the subsequent shootout.
HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
Sunday’s match will be the 11th meeting between two sides that have faced each other at least three times in each of the last three seasons. The same is set to happen again this term, with the clubs both being drawn in the same League Cup group once more. Over the years, the Reds have triumphed eight times to Everton’s one, while the one draw came during the corresponding fixture last season. In the WSL, we also met the Toffees at Old Trafford in 2021/22, with two Alessia Russo headers and a Katie Zelem penalty enough to see United come from behind to win on a special afternoon in M16.
Highlights: United Women v Everton
Alessia Russo was among the goals for our women's team against Everton at Old Trafford on 27 March 2022...
Our trip to Merseyside is one of six games to be played across the division on Sunday. Here’s how the schedule looks…
SUNDAY 29 OCTOBER
Chelsea v Aston Villa
Manchester City v Liverpool
Reading v Leicester City
Everton v UNITED
Brighton & Hove Albion v Tottenham Hotspur
Arsenal v West Ham United (18:45 GMT)
All kick-offs are 14:00 GMT unless stated.