The Women’s Super League run-in is well underway, with only a few games left to decide who will be champions and who will be relegated down to the Championship.
Only West Ham separate Everton and Liverpool in the table, with the Blues currently sat in sixth and the Reds in eighth. It is Liverpool’s first season back in the WSL after their relegation when the 2019/20 WSL season was cancelled due to COVID-19.
Everton are currently eight points above their Merseyside rivals, but they have played an extra game after losing 3-2 to Brighton midweek. Liverpool and Everton faced off at Goodison Park for the first time in the WSL almost a month ago with the match ending in a 1-1 stalemate, although Liverpool will feel hard done by as a second goal for them was controversially ruled out.
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Everton’s next match is a visit to Reading. The Blues ran out 3-2 winners in a five-goal thriller the last time the two teams faced off. They have five games left to play, including visits to title chasers Chelsea and Manchester City. They also welcome third placed Arsenal to Walton Hall Park, as well as Brighton and Hove Albion.
In the reverse fixtures against these five teams, Everton have only picked up three points – their win at home to Reading.
The Blues are five points off fifth place Aston Villa, and seven points clear of West Ham in seventh. Liverpool are eight points away in eighth, however the Reds have played a game less and could climb to seventh – only five points off Everton.
Liverpool have six matches left to play, which like Everton, include trips to Chelsea and Manchester City. They also face Manchester United at home at Prenton Park, with the Red Devils thrashing Liverpool 6-0 in the reverse fixture. The Reds also visit Aston Villa and Leicester in the run-in.
Their next match is at home against Brighton, the same side who beat Everton last time out. Liverpool and Brighton shared the points in a 3-3 thriller the last time the teams faced each other.
In the reverse fixtures against the teams they are yet to play Liverpool have picked up just four points from an available 18, through their draw at Brighton and shock a win against Chelsea in their first game back in the WSL.
Out in front of the Reds are West Ham, but if Liverpool win their game in hand they will climb above the Hammers and behind Everton into seventh place. Below Liverpool are Tottenham and Brighton, with both teams on 12 points having played a game more than Matt Beard’s side.
Liverpool are six points away from the relegation zone, with Leicester currently at the foot of the table on 10 points. The Reds have a game in hand over all the teams below them with the exception of Brighton, who have also played 16 games.
A run of good results will ensure Liverpool remain clear of the relegation zone and push them towards a finish in the top half of the table. Everton will be looking to remain in the top half, and a good run of results could bolster them above Aston Villa into fifth place.
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