Jean-Luc Vasseur is looking for his first Women's Super League victory with his new Everton Ladies side on Sunday, when Manchester United Women visit Walton Hall Park in gameweek seven.
Marc Skinner's side travel to Merseyside looking to pick up three points after a trio of draws in all competitions, leaving the Red Devils currently sitting fifth in the WSL.
Match preview
Everton's start to life under Vasseur got off to a good start in the League Cup as they defeated Leicester City in Group B, but the Toffees were unable to claim any points when Brighton & Hove Albion visited last weekend.
Vasseur would be left with the feeling that his team did enough to get something from that game, having created as many chances as the Seagulls, but Aileen Whelan's single headed effort was enough to separate the two sides.
Midfielder Izzy Christiansen admitted that her side lacked composure in front of goal last Saturday, and apart from the two victories they have earned against sides towards the bottom of the table, Everton have not managed to score a league goal against teams in the top four.
With Manchester United sitting fifth, they have conceded at least double the amount of goals than the teams in the top four, suggesting that there is potentially a better opportunity for Everton to sternly test their visitors' defence.
Skinner will be disappointed to not have claimed all three points last time out, as Alessia Russo's strike just before half time against Tottenham Hotspur gave the away side the lead all the way until stoppage time at the end of the second period.
Ria Percival netted in the 95th minute to rescue a point for Spurs, and that meant Man United drew their third game in a row across all competitions.
Dropping two points last weekend meant that Brighton were able to leapfrog Man United into fourth spot, and victory against 10th-placed Everton seems vital on Sunday for the Red Devils to keep up with the top three.
Man United have actually been slightly better away from home than their points return from Leigh Sports Village, and they remain unbeaten on their travels, which they will want to continue against Everton.
By the end of December last year, Man United topped the WSL having not tasted defeat in the league, but this season so far has not reached the heights of the previous campaign, already dropping seven points.
In only a 12-team division, each game's reward feels more valuable as there are not many matches to follow in order to make up any points lost, meaning that Man United will feel like they must win on Sunday, especially considering Everton's league position.
- L
- L
- W
- W
- L
- L
- W
- W
- L
- L
- W
- L
- W
- W
- L
- W
- D
- D
- W
- L
- W
- D
- D
- D
Team News
Vasseur set his side up in a 4-3-3 formation last time out, and Kenza Dali is expected to be one of the many players to retain her place in the starting lineup.
After arriving back at the club in the summer, Toni Duggan will be disappointed that she has not reopened her Toffees account in her first six league appearances this season, but she will lead the line for the home team.
Christiansen, Aurora Galli and Hanna Bennison will continue to operate as the midfield three for Everton, while goalkeeper Sandy MacIver will want to claim her second league clean sheet.
Wales international Hayley Ladd was handed her first WSL start of the season for Man United against Tottenham, as she came into the side in place of Jackie Groenen.
After coming off the bench in the first three games, Russo has now claimed her spot in Skinner's starting lineup and has scored twice in her three WSL starts, taking her season total to three, the most out of any of her teammates.
For the last four WSL games, Man United's defensive four have been consistent starters, and that will continue on Sunday, meaning that Hannah Blundell, Maria Thorisdottir, Aoife Mannion and Ona Batlle will all be named on the team sheet.
Everton Ladies possible starting lineup:
MacIver; Turner, George, Sevecke, Bjorn; Bennison, Galli, Christiansen; Anvegard, Duggan, Dali
Manchester United Women possible starting lineup:
Earps; Batlle, Mannion, Thorisdottir, Blundell; Ladd, Zelem; Galton, Toone, Hanson; Russo
We say: Everton Ladies 1-2 Manchester United Women
Vasseur will be determined to get his first WSL win under his belt but the visitors on Sunday will also be keen to get back to winning ways if they are serious contenders for the top three this season.
History is in Manchester United's favour when it comes to past meetings between these two sides, and with Everton sitting in 10th, their form suggests history will be no different on this occasion.
Top tip
body check tags ::
Previews by email
