It’s an old adage to not fix what isn’t broke, but Scott Phelan will more than likely ring the changes to his side when Everton Women take on Manchester United this weekend, despite coming off a third straight Subway Players Cup win on Wednesday away at Sheffield United.
The boss tentatively said that his team came through the Blades clash unscathed, but has confirmed in his pre-match presser that there have been a few ‘bumps and bruises’ throughout the week that they will need to make decisions on ahead
of the Halloween showdown with the Red Devils at Goodison Park.
With three wins and four losses so far in the WSL, Everton know that they have to start putting some consistency together in the league, something that won’t be easy with Eva Olid’s team next on the horizon.
And while the form in the cup has been good and the players who have featured performed admirably, it would be a huge shock in Courtney Brosnan – the team’s most consistent performer over the last few years – doesn’t regain her place in between the sticks in place of Rylee Foster-Inman, who has kept goal in each League Cup game so far.
More difficult decisions may lie in the back four selection, with the Toffees rearguard shipping six goals in the last three games. Whether club captain Megan Finnigan – another who has competed in all three cup fixtures – gets a first league start of the season in place of either Hannah Silcock of Naomi Layzell is a choice that will be on Phelan’s mind, with the head coach also likely to recall Hannah Blundell to the right-back role against her former employers.
Moving into midfield and it would be hard to see past Ruby Mace, who was rested midweek. The 23-year-old’s grit, guile and the ability to find the net has been vital to the Blues, who will need everyone firing on all cylinders if they are to get a result against Olid’s team.
And given who their visitors are, Phelan may well opt to utilise the hardworking Clare Wheeler in the middle, allowing a third in the middle of the park to have more licence to roam and support the forward line.
Whether that individual will be Rosa van Gool remains to be seen, although the Dutch star scored and assisted on Wednesday night, but has not been as effective in the WSL this campaign.
Honoka Hayashi – who has only four starts so far – is a natural No.10 and could be the key to unlocking the Blues’ weekend opponents, but will face competition from fellow Japan star Yuka Momiki, who has impressed when allowed the opportunity.
The Goodison faithful won’t have forgotten about Aurora Galli though, whose ability to pick a pass and hold the ball may well see the talented Italian given the nod against the Red Devils.
But it is the forward line that remains the cause of most of Phelan’s headaches, with many cameos offering both hope and choice, yet no one has yet grabbed the brass ring.
Noemie Mouchon has two in her last two and deserves the chance to add to that tally. The former Leicester City forward is a natural poacher and may be the player who can net in a game that may offer few chances.
Fellow former Foxes’ star Jutta Rantala will probably begin the game amongst the substitutes as she continues to gain match fitness, although Hannah Cain is more than likely to occupy one of the flanks, with either Momiki or Ornella Vignola expected to line up on the other side.
Holly McNamara is also an option, but the Australian has endured a frustrating start to life on Merseyside and needs to be given time as she settles into the WSL.
The Opposition
Considered as one of the WSL’s biggest sides and genuine title contenders, United currently sit eight points off top spot with three wins, two draws and two defeats – scoring nine and conceding 11 in their seven games played.
Another side who have a 100% record in the Subway Players Cup, Olid’s side have plundered 23 goals in just four games so far, with ten of them coming in one game against the Blades.
A difficult start to the season saw the Red Devils lose their opening two, but the side is now nine unbeaten and determined to close the gap at the top.
A team that includes talent such as Elisabeth Terland, Maya Le Tissier and former Toffee loanee Jess Park, it has been Julia Zigiotti who caught the eye and found the net three times this season, despite primarily being used as a defensive midfielder.
While Phallon Tullis-Joyce is the current No.1 for United, they have have used back-up stopper Janina Leitzig in the league cup, and the German is well known to the Blues, having often being an almost impenetrable force against them during her Leicester days.
Previous Meetings
You would need to go back to February 2023 for the last time Everton claimed a league point against the Red Devils, as the Blues battled to a 0-0 draw at Leigh Sports Village, and November 2021 for a result at home, thanks to a Simone Magill equaliser earning a 1-1 draw.
Last season saw the visitors run out 4-1 winners at Hill Dickinson Stadium, despite Hayashi scoring the first ever goal in the women’s football at the world class dockside venue after 16 minutes.
With a United team on form and a one-sided record Olid will be keen to preserve, Phelan will need his selections to be spot on if he is to end October on a high, although who he picks will need to be a the peak of the powers if they are to ensure that the Goodison faithful goes home happy.
Everton Women take on Manchester United this Saturday at 12.45pm GMT (7.45am ET, 4.45am PT).
Tickets for the clash are still available here.
