Liverpool Women will look to head into the international break on a high as they travel to Leigh to face Manchester United in the Women’s Super League.
The Red Devils have struggled for consistency under new manager Eva Olid, although they secured a 2-1 win over West Ham in their last league fixture through goals from Elisabeth Terland and Andrea Medina.
Liverpool’s form has been the opposite. Taylor’s relentless pressing and free-flowing attacking style has impressed, with the Reds currently fifth in the WSL standings.
Mao Itamura is expected to be available for Liverpool’s trip to Manchester United. The summer signing has been sidelined since undergoing minor abdominal surgery but could now make her competitive debut.
However, Lucy Parry, Sophie Roman Haug and Mari Ward have been ruled out of Saturday afternoon’s clash at Progress with Unity Stadium.
Liverpool Women Head coach Gareth Taylor said at his pre-match press conference: “Lucy Parry and Mari Ward are that bit closer.
“They won’t be in the squad this weekend but I think having them back after the international break is going to be really important, because I think we have nine games between the next international break and the one afterwards.
“Roman Haug has also picked up a problem, a metatarsal injury. We’re just trying to establish the details of that and how long that will keep her out.
“Of course losing Aurélie [Csillag] is an opportunity for Roman Haug but we’re going to have to be patient with that one.
“She’s not going to be ready for a few weeks. In terms of tomorrow, we’ll get Itamura back and available with the squad, which is good news. That’s a positive.”
The Reds lost both meetings with Manchester United last season and will be eager to avenge those defeats, with the roles having reversed this campaign.
Under Gareth Taylor, Liverpool have continued to prove their doubters wrong. After last season’s disappointment, the Reds have turned their form around and currently sit fifth in the WSL table with two wins, one draw and one defeat.
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