Everton Women Face Leicester City in WSL Clash Preview

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Everton Women Face Leicester City in WSL Clash Preview

Everton Women are preparing for a challenging encounter against Leicester City in the Women’s Super League (WSL) this weekend. The match, set for October 5 at King Power Stadium, presents an opportunity for the Toffees to end a streak of four winless league games.

Injury Concerns for Everton

Manager Brian Sorensen has confirmed that several key players will be unavailable for selection. Injuries have sidelined Kelly Gago, Rion Ishakawa, Courtney Brosnan, Aurora Galli, and long-term absentee Megan Finnigan. However, the return of Issy Hobson from her loan at Nottingham Forest offers a boost to the squad.

Leicester City: A Tough Opponent

Sorensen anticipates a physical battle against a strong Leicester side known for their solid defensive play. He remarked on the challenge of breaking down their compact formation. “Leicester are physically very strong and very good in defending. We have to manage our injuries, but still have a good squad available,” he said.

Tactical Adjustments

Everton’s recent performances have highlighted the need for tactical adjustments. The midfield pairing of Rosa van Gool and Ruby Mace struggled against Brighton, prompting Sorensen to consider changes. Flexibility in formations will be crucial, especially with players like Clare Wheeler potentially playing in a deeper role.

Key Players to Watch

  • Issy Hobson: Expected to impact the game with her defensive reliability.
  • Honoka Hayashi: Will play a crucial role in creating scoring opportunities.
  • Yuka Momiki: Aiming to score against her former club after a strong performance last season.

Leicester’s Offensive Struggles

Leicester City also faces challenges, as they have struggled in front of goal this season. Despite having secured only one win in their last four league matches, their performance included a strong showing in the League Cup against Ipswich Town, where they scored five goals.

Both teams will seek to improve their standings in the league. Everton currently sits just below Leicester City, putting additional pressure on the match’s significance. The clash promises to be energetic and pivotal for both sides as they strive for victory in the WSL.

Match Details

The match kicks off at 11:55 AM BST on October 5. As both teams aim to secure valuable points, fans can look forward to an engaging battle at King Power Stadium.