The Preview: City's Women Start Campaign At Liverpool

LCFC Women
4 hrs 11 mins ago
3 Minutes
LCFC Women return to Barclays Women's Super League action as they face Liverpool on the opening day.

- LCFC Women to play Liverpool this Sunday afternoon (2pm BST kick-off)
- Sunday's match will be played at Totally Wicked Stadium
- Amandine Miquel will take charge of her first competitive Foxes' game.

It's been four months since the Foxes last played in a competitive game, but the new WSL season is finally upon us, and with it, a trip to Merseyside to face Liverpool.

Here's a look at both sides and how you can follow the action...

The Foxes camp

The Foxes took part in the inaugural Perth International Football Cup.

After securing a 10th-placed finish last season, City will be hoping for another campaign of firsts, as the aim for a top half finish. A positive pre-season followed, as City beat Sunderland and Durham before heading to Australia for the Perth International Football Cup.

Losing to Manchester City on penalties, the Foxes confirmed third place with a 5-2 win over West Ham United; new signing Noémie Mouchon registering a goal and assist at HBF Park.

The French forward is one of five new faces at Belvoir Drive, which also includes the return of midfielder Ruby Mace on a permanent basis, under the new era of Amandine Miquel.

The opposition

Gemma Evans made the switch to Liverpool from Manchester United this summer.

Despite only being back in the top flight of English football for two years, Liverpool have already staked their claim among the elite, finishing fourth last season, recording 12 wins and 41 points across the 22 games played.

On the transfer side, the Reds' have brought in three new faces; defender Gemma Evans from Manchester United, midfielder Olivia Smith from Sporting CP and forward Cornelia Kapocs from Swedish side Linköping. 

With every incoming, however, there have been several outgoings. Sunday's hosts will noticeably be without Melissa Lawley, Emma Koivisto and Missy Bo Kearns, who has switched sides to WSL outfit Aston Villa.

In the dugout

Matt Beard guided Liverpool to a fourth placed finish last term.

Matt Beard resides in the dugout for Liverpool, and after three years on the touchline, this will be his first at the Reds' new home; Totally Wicked Stadium, which is also the home of St Helens rugby club.

Winning the Barclays Women's Championship in the 22/23 season, the 46-year-old has a win percentage of 44 per cent, tasting victory in 28 and drawing a further 10 in his 64 games in charge.

Last time out

Rantala's double at Prenton Park guided Leicester to their first ever semi-final in the FA Cup.

Leicester have a good record against the Merseyside club, winning five out of eight meetings between the two sides, most recently when they met at Prenton Park last season in the Adobe Women's FA Cup Quarter-Final; Jutta Rantala's double making history for the Foxes.

On the final day of last season, Liverpool ran out 4-0 winners at King Power Stadium. Sophie Haug opened the scoring early on before a hat-trick from substitute Leanne Kiernan brought a disappointing end to proceedings. 

Coverage & tickets

Sunday's game will be Liverpool's first WSL match at their new home.

Ticket information, coach travel and how you can stay updated to Sunday's match can be found HERE.