Everton Women Test Up Next For Foxes
Preparing for a third meeting of the season, after two encounters at Pirelli Stadium in the WSL and Continental Tyres League Cup, just two points separate the teams in the top-flight standings, with Everton placed in 10th and Leicester 11th.
Ahead of this clash, LCFC.com provides the key information you need to know…
The Foxes camp
Boosted by defender Ashleigh Plumptre's return and the introduction of new signing CJ Bott, City head back up north aiming to right the wrongs of successive defeats on the road in recent weeks and recapture the form that saw the Foxes record three successive victories across February.
The opposition
Despite a summer of investment in the squad, the Toffees have struggled for consistency this year, leading to the club parting ways with manager Willie Kirk in October 2021 and appointing former Lyon head coach Jean-Luc Vasseur later that month. He left three months later, though, with Chris Roberts and Claire Ditchburn taking over on an interim basis.
Everton’s 1-0 success over Aston Villa on Wednesday, courtesy of Aurora Galli’s late goal, secured a first league win since November, lifting the Merseyside club back above Leicester in the table.
The Toffees also have a Vitality Women’s FA Cup Quarter-Final to look forward to, taking on Manchester City following victories over Huddersfield Town and Charlton Athletic in previous rounds of the competition.
Ones to watch
Izzy Christiansen re-joined the Toffees in January 2020, over a decade on from her first appearance. Christensen previously turned out for Manchester City – where she claimed the PFA Women's Players' Player of the Year – and then Lyon, winning the treble at the French club in 2018/19. The midfielder collected Everton’s Player of the Season prize last term and by setting up three goals this campaign, she's joint-top of Everton’s assists charts, alongside Hannah Bennison.
England forward Toni Duggan made a return to the Toffees last summer, eight years after leaving to join Manchester City, where she won four trophies in four seasons. The 30-year-old, who has 76 England caps and 22 goals to her name since making her senior international debut in 2012, went on to play for Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, winning a further four trophies during her time in Spain.
It was something of a coup for Everton to land French international forward Valérie Gauvin in August 2020, following six years with Montpellier. Scoring eight times in 20 games during her maiden season in England has been followed by three goals this term, all outside of the WSL, often using her strong technique and aerial ability to bring others into play.
Talking points
Lydia Bedford told the media this week: “Three points gives another buffer and increases that distance between us and Birmingham but there won’t be one game that defines our season and this one is just as important as any of the six that we’ve got coming up. It’s important that we keep working together.”
Captain Sophie Barker also spoke ahead of the fixture: “We’ve worked really hard to get ourselves off the bottom of the table. We’re not going to stop there. We’re doing exactly the same, we’re going out to win and be on the front foot.”
Last time out
Simone Magill’s 81st-minute strike proved the difference in the reverse fixture at Pirelli Stadium, while Everton also came out on top in the Continental Tyres League Cup earlier this month, thanks to strikes from Anna Anvegård, Izzy Christiansen and Valérie Gauvin. Ashleigh Plumptre notched her first goal of the season in the 3-1 defeat.
Ticket news
Supporters are able to purchase match tickets online from the home club, HERE, priced at £8 for adults and £4 for seniors and juniors. Unreserved seating and standing tickets are available.
All times GMT.