Liverpool host Leicester in huge relegation battle

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Liverpool Women host bottom of the table Leicester in a game that could be season defining for both clubs. The Reds come into this game full of confidence after knocking out Merseyside rivals Everton in the FA cup to advance into the last 8. Their momentum was stopped due to the recent international break, but Gareth Taylor's side will be looking to build on their four game unbeaten run at home while the visitors are searching for their first away victory of the WSL season.

Leicester looking to do the double:

Despite their recent record of 1 win in their last 10 games, the away side will be looking to repeat their performance in the reverse fixture where they came out on top with a 1-0 victory. An Emily Van Egmond goal is what separated the two sides last time out, but the 32 year-old has not scored a goal since. While Leicester have a game in hand, this is a must-win match for both sides in their fight to stay up.

Liverpool missing key players:

Liverpool will be without Japanese duo Fuka Nagano and Risa Shimizu, who are away on international duty and set to face the Philippines in the Asia Cup this Saturday. Nagano’s absence in particular leaves the Reds short in midfield, a position where they already have several players unavailable, and it could be a weakness Leicester look to target.

Key areas to watch:

A clear weakness in Rick Passmoor’s side is their lack of goals. They have only found the net once in their previous 5 games. As long as Liverpool’s back-line stays comeback and organized just like they were before the international break, a victory is very much on the cards.

In the reverse fixture The Reds dominated the game, created much more chances, but were not clinical and that's what lost the game. Being clinical and taking opportunities is the answer to coming away with maximum points.

The Foxes like to sit back and will let Gareth Taylor’s side keep the majority of possession, the wide players need to put  plenty of balls into the box and create chaos in the opposition's box.

Clinical edge needed: 

Everton arrive full of confidence after three consecutive wins, building momentum through a series of strong defensive displays. Their back four has provided a solid platform, limiting goals conceded and enabling more opportunities at the other end, despite still struggling for goals overall.

That balance means Liverpool must be clinical up top, while maintaining the defensive solidity shown in recent weeks. In a contest where a single goal could decide the outcome, set pieces may prove decisive. Making the most of dead-ball situations could be the difference between victory and frustration.

Statement opportunity:

A victory for the Reds on Sunday morning could potentially see the club move above West Ham into 10th place, The Hammers have a tough game at home to Manchester United up next, a position that just a few months ago looked like a tough task. With the visitors also having a game in hand, three points for the home side would mean they would stay above the Foxes no matter the result of their extra game. 

Anything less than a win on Sunday will be a massive disappointment to a Liverpool side full of confidence. The home side are coming into this game as massive favourites and will be expected to build on this recent run of form and climb up the table.