BRIAN SORENSEN believes Everton will face an aggressive challenge from Liverpool in tonight’s Merseyside derby.
And the head coach hopes home fans will be smiling when the final whistle blows at Goodison Park.
GettyBrian Sorensen’s Everton are aiming for a repeat of the performance that saw them beat Liverpool 3-0 last September[/caption]
GettyThe Toffees hope to pick up their first win in the league since beating West Ham 3-0 in January[/caption]
Liverpool are currently eighth and have won two of their last four games in the WSLAlamy
Last September’s clash between the teams saw Liverpool come unstuck against the Toffees falling to a 3-0 loss at Anfield.
Everton boss Sorensen, 42, said: “That was a special night going there and winning in the way that we did.
“I’m not saying it was easy, but it was probably a bit easier than we expected.
“But I think they (Liverpool) will really be up for it. The recruitment they’ve been doing in the January window has strengthened them.
“They’re also getting people back from injury now. We will probably see a bit of a different Liverpool team.
“They’re going to be more aggressive against us than they were at Anfield, so we will prepare for that.”
The WSL’s 15th Merseyside derby is set to kickstart Women’s Football Weekend
three of this week’s six WSL clashes taking place at Goodison Park, Old Trafford and Villa Park.
Football chiefs hope record attendances will be smashed at games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday across the top two tiers.
Everton will be without Emily Ramsey with the goalkeeper expected to be back in four weeks following an ankle injury sustained on England duty.
Meanwhile Liverpool forward Mel Lawley has been sidelined following an injury.
And Niamh Fahey, Natasha Dowie and Leanne Kiernan making their way back to fitness.
On whether his squad are after revenge, Reds boss Matt Beard, 45, said: “We know what this fixture means to the club and the supporters.
“We would love to give them bragging rights.
“Everton haven’t won in their last four games and haven’t scored a goal in them
“When it comes down to a Merseyside derby, I don’t think that will have any effect on it because it is about the passion.”
Liverpool are currently six points off their neighbours in the top tier and eighth in the table
Meanwhile the Toffees, who are sixth, have won sixth and won two of the 15 WSL games they have played so far this term.
Their last win across all competitions came was a 3-0 home defeat of West Ham in the league.
Among the players who have shone for the club this season is Jess Park, 21, who is currently on loan from Manchester City.
The forward, who scored on her England debut in a 4-0 November defeat of Japan, has registered three goals and two assists in 13 WSL appearances this term.
Sorensen added: “Jess has been great for us. It shows in the minutes that we’re giving her.
“There are still things in her game she needs to improve and we are on that with her, but I think as a whole she looks much more confident.
“She is really trying to develop the physical side of her game.
“We’re not talking about jumping higher, or being faster or anything like that.
GettySorensen believes Jess Park is skilled at playing clever under pressure[/caption]
“It’s more about having the engine to play internationally at the top level.
“She’s really taking steps in the right direction. She’s very smart under pressure.
“That’s also one of the things that will help her improve and have a higher level.”