WSL Merseyside derby: Liverpool seeking to end Everton dominance
- Published
WSL highlights: Liverpool 0-1 Everton
Everton have had a stranglehold on the Merseyside derby in the Women's Super League - but has the time finally come for Liverpool to turn the tables?
The two fierce rivals go head-to-head this Sunday at Goodison Park with Liverpool having picked up twice as many points as Everton this season.
Matt Beard's side sit fifth in the table, four places above the Blues, who have caused them headaches recently with three successive wins at Anfield - including a 1-0 victory in October.
Liverpool have triumphed just once in their past seven WSL meetings but Everton have had to battle through an injury-hit campaign, which has been compounded by the contrasting success enjoyed by their neighbours in red.
Everton therefore, find themselves underdogs going into Sunday's match, but captain Megan Finnigan believes her side can cause another upset.
"Form goes out of the window," she told BBC Sport. "The last few times we've played, they've come into it in good form and we've been in bad form - and it's always worked out well for us.
"We know from previous experiences how to turn it on. While results haven't gone our way this season, I do genuinely believe we're in a good place.
"That might sound silly if people are just looking at the table but if you watch our games, I think we're a really good team. I look at Liverpool being fifth in the table and it kills me because we are so much better than our league position suggests."
Centre-back Finnigan, who joined Everton when she was nine, has enjoyed personal joy in the derby, netting the winner at Anfield last time out, having also scored in a 3-0 win in 2022 - and she knows the importance of the fixture.
"This is the biggest game of the season," added the 25-year-old. "It's the first one we look for in the schedule. It's the one you really don't want to lose.
"It's about keeping up that record, remembering what we've done in the past and playing in that same way, not letting the occasion get to us.
"It's such an important game. I definitely can't describe what the feeling would be if we were to lose. It would be horrendous. It's massive for the club, the city and for Liverpool too.
"Liverpool are doing really well this year so credit to them. If there's one game they're desperate to win, it's this one, because they haven't done it. To come to Goodison and win would be a big statement on their behalf - so we can't allow that."
'I feel responsibility in these games'
Megan Finnigan has scored twice at Anfield in Merseyside derbies against Liverpool
Everton's season has not gone to plan with injuries and summer departures harming their consistency, but Brian Sorensen has received praise for the way he has managed a depleted squad.
Finnigan also hopes the determination that has seen the squad battle through so far this season can be replicated on Sunday.
"The togetherness in the group has got stronger and it's had to," she added. "The injury situation… I've never seen anything like it.
"Every week different girls are playing in different positions. I think we're really building. We are not far off being a really good team."
Finnigan will lead the team out again at Goodison Park this Sunday, perhaps for the last time as the club prepares for a move to Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.
She has been an ever-present this season, taking on greater responsibility with the armband and impressing in an ever-changing defence.
"Getting the captaincy at the start of the season has given me more confidence," said Finnigan. "I've had to step up in terms of my responsibilities and leadership. That brings out the best in my game and that's why I felt I was ready.
"Out of everyone, I should know the most about what a derby means. I always feel responsibility in these games to set the standards. I've really enjoyed this season personally. The captaincy is new for me but I've learned a lot."
'A defeat we're looking to make up for'
Grace Fisk scored her first goal for Liverpool in a 4-1 win over Aston Villa earlier this month
Finnigan is not the only centre-back enjoying a good season.
Arguably Liverpool's standout player has been summer signing Grace Fisk, who joined from West Ham and has played a key role in their impressive campaign.
Manager Beard told BBC Sport he "can't believe [Fisk] is not in the England squad" and described her performances as "outstanding" so far.
"She definitely doesn't go under the radar within the team," he added.
"We know how important she is and how well she's played. She's fitted in so seamlessly. It feels like she's been here for years, she's such a talented footballer."
Fisk's arrival was one of the catalysts for Liverpool's success this year but the 26-year-old admits she has "regrets" over their defeat by Everton in October, which was her first with the club.
The Reds did win 2-1 in the League Cup at Everton in December, but Fisk told BBC Sport the WSL loss was "100% one we're looking to make up for".
"All week our focus has been on [the derby] and we want nothing but a win," she added.
"There's determination. We played them in the League Cup and know we can beat them. It would be really nice to top off a successful season by doing that.
"At West Ham we had quite a few London derbies. There is always an extra buzz. We're really up for the game and especially because of our past lack of success against Everton, there will be extra motivation.
"Everton have shown previously they really step up for it so we need to not only match them, but beat them in that regard. I'm raring to go and I'm excited."