Issy Hobson is hoping for another victory over Liverpool this evening as Everton Women line up against their Merseyside rivals in the Women’s League Cup.
Tonight’s fixture at St. Helen’s Stadium will be played almost a month after the Blues triumphed over the Reds at Goodison Park to hand Brian Sorensen his first WSL win of the season, in what was be the final women’s league derby fixture at the the Grand Old Lady.
But attentions firmly switch to the League Cup tonight, a competition where the Blues boss has never shied away from blooding some of his youngsters, like Hobson.
The teen star was arguably the Toffees stand-out player in the last League Cup fixture against Manchester United, excelling in the unfamiliar role of full-back.
Everton v Manchester United - Women’s League Cup Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images
But tonight’s opposition adds an added incentive for lifelong Evertonian Hobson, who is more than happy to play anywhere she is needed, something she feels resonates with the fans.
“I’m just honoured to even be trusted and put out on the pitch and put a on a performance I’m happy to play anywhere as long as I get my minutes,” she said.
“Being a fan myself, I know what gets the fans going and gives them something to cheer about. And when they do, it just makes me want to again.
“It’s just part of what being an Evertonian is, you just want to fly into everything.
“It was the biggest dream come true [playing in and winning the derby]. I would rather beat Liverpool than anyone else, it was such a good feeling and such a good team performance. So to come in and contribute to such an important win, it was just so special.
Everton v Liverpool - Barclays Women’s Super League - Goodison Park Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images
“Hopefully we get to do it again.”
Women’s League Cup So Far
It’s second versus third tonight in Group A, with Matt Beard’s side a point ahead of their Merseyside rivals, as the Reds will be looking for revenge for last month’s defeat.
Liverpool have greater numbers in their ranks, but may also use the competition as a chance to give some fringe players much needed minutes, while also preserving a few first-team stars ahead of their home fixture with Arsenal at the weekend.
Both Merseyside clubs have already played bottom side Newcastle and Group A leaders, Manchester United, with Beard’s team hitting the Magpies for six in their last League Cup outing.
Everton also bested Becky Langley’s team via a shootout which saw Courtney Brosnan save all three of Newcastle’s spot-kicks.
Newcastle United Women v Everton Women - FA WSL Cup Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Everton and Liverpool fell to defeat against United though, with both the Blues and Reds succumbing to Marc Skinner’s side by the same scoreline of 2-0.
Kick-off at St. Helen’s Stadium for tonight’s Women’s League Cup fixture between Everton Women and Liverpool is at 6pm (GMT).