Everton Women face Newcastle United Women in the WSL Cup group stage at Goodison Park on Wednesday evening. The match kicks off at 19:00 as the Toffees look to bounce back from a weekend defeat in the league.
Their recent form shows three wins and two losses from their last five outings. The most recent was a 2-1 defeat away to London City Lionesses last Saturday, where Hannah Cain scored a second-half consolation goal in the 73rd minute.
Recent form and context
Everton have been strong at home this season, with victories over Birmingham City in both league and cup competition at Goodison. Their last five results illustrate the mixed run, with a 2-0 win over West Ham and a 3-1 victory against Birmingham City bookending losses to Liverpool and London City. The team has scored 8 goals and conceded 7 in their last five matches across all competitions.
Newcastle United Women arrive on the back of a 4-0 victory over Leicester City in the Women's Championship at the end of September. Their last known starting lineup featured experienced players like Nobbs and Sevenius. This cup tie offers a different challenge against top-flight opposition, with Newcastle having scored 12 goals in their last five matches while conceding 6.
Team setup
In their last match, Everton lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Brosnan in goal. The attacking quartet of Yuka Momiki, van Gool, Ornella Vignola and Holly McNamara supported striker Blundell. Ruby Mace, who scored twice in the recent win over Birmingham, partners Wheeler in central midfield. The squad's injuries list includes key forward Toni Duggan, who is ruled out with a hamstring strain, and defender Gilly Flaherty, who is sidelined with a knee injury.
The cup competition provides a chance to build momentum ahead of a busy period, with the next league fixture being a trip to face Manchester City Women at the Academy Stadium on Sunday. Everton will aim to use their home advantage and recent positive results at Goodison as a platform for progress. The match against Newcastle United Women is scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October at Goodison Park.
Everton manager Scott Phelan confirmed the club is facing a striking crisis, with only five goals scored in six league games this season. He said, "We are trying to solve what is fast becoming a striking crisis." The Blues, who have scored five and conceded six in the WSL, host Newcastle in the Subway Players' Cup at Goodison Park on Wednesday. Phelan indicated fringe forwards may get a chance, with Jutta Rantala now in the matchday squad.
