Women Super League
As the 2024-25 Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) kicks off, Liverpool FC Women are set to face Leicester City at St Helens Stadium this Sunday at 2 PM BST. Under the guidance of manager Matt Beard, the Reds aim to build on their remarkable finish last season, where they secured a fourth-place finish with a strong winning streak. Meanwhile, Leicester City will be looking to bounce back from their struggles last season and challenge Liverpool in this exciting season opener.
Here’s a detailed look at some key statistics and insights ahead of the highly anticipated match.
Liverpool’s Dominance Over Leicester Last Season
Liverpool FC Women enjoyed a successful double over Leicester City during the 2023-24 WSL campaign. The Reds triumphed 2-1 at home before demolishing the Foxes 4-0 away. These results highlight the contrast between the two teams last season, with Liverpool demonstrating their superior tactical structure and defensive organization, while Leicester struggled to cope with the pace and precision of Matt Beard’s side.
In the home encounter at Prenton Park, Liverpool’s disciplined defense and well-organized pressing system were key to securing the 2-1 victory. On the road, Liverpool displayed attacking prowess, running riot with a 4-0 thrashing that showed their intent as they headed toward the conclusion of the season.
As the new season unfolds, the Reds will look to replicate those performances and secure a vital three points in their opening match. Their confidence will be bolstered by knowing they’ve had the upper hand in recent encounters with Leicester, but the Foxes may be driven by the desire to seek revenge for last season’s setbacks.
Season Openers: A Liverpool Strength
The start of a WSL season often sets the tone for a team’s campaign, and Liverpool have shown that they excel in season-opening fixtures. In fact, only Arsenal and Chelsea have won more opening games in WSL history than the Reds. Liverpool have six opening-day wins under their belt (excluding the Spring Series), which speaks volumes about their ability to start strong and make a statement early on.
Matt Beard’s impact on the team is also evident in their opening-day record, with Liverpool winning four out of five opening matches under his management during his two stints at the club. This statistic reflects the trust and confidence the players have in Beard’s tactical approach, and his ability to motivate the squad at the start of each campaign.
The significance of a good start cannot be overstated, especially in a league as competitive as the WSL. With teams like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City constantly challenging for the top spots, Liverpool will need to hit the ground running to assert their position as contenders for European qualification this season.
Building Momentum: Liverpool’s Late-Season Surge
One of the most impressive aspects of Liverpool’s 2023-24 WSL campaign was their strong finish. The Reds won each of their final four league games, securing fourth place and solidifying their status as one of the league’s strongest teams. As they head into the new season, they have the chance to extend that winning streak to five WSL games in a row, something they’ve only achieved once before – during their title-winning campaigns in 2013 and 2014, when they managed eight consecutive victories.
This kind of momentum could be crucial for the Reds, especially with the increased competition in the WSL. Achieving five straight wins would be a testament to the consistency and resilience of the squad under Beard’s leadership. Momentum is often a key factor in successful campaigns, and starting this season with a win could set Liverpool up for another strong run.
Aerial Dominance: Liverpool’s Set-Piece Strength
Another key feature of Liverpool’s game last season was their proficiency in the air. A third of their 36 goals in the WSL came from headers, emphasizing the team’s strength in set-piece situations and their ability to capitalize on crosses and corners. This aerial prowess makes them a significant threat in front of goal, especially against teams that struggle to defend set-pieces.
With the likes of defenders capable of joining the attack and players in midfield able to deliver precise crosses, Liverpool can use this weapon against Leicester. A well-executed set-piece could easily tip the balance in the Reds’ favor, especially in a tightly contested match where clear-cut chances might be limited.
Leicester’s Determination: Second-Highest Duels Won
While Liverpool’s impressive stats point to their dominance, Leicester City cannot be underestimated. Despite their difficulties last season, the Foxes registered the second-highest duels won percentage in the division, finishing with 52.6% – just behind champions Chelsea. This statistic highlights Leicester’s tenacity and their ability to battle hard, even when results didn’t always go their way.
WSL
Winning duels is crucial in the WSL, where the margins between victory and defeat can often be razor-thin. Leicester’s combative approach will make them tough to break down, and Liverpool must be prepared for a physical contest on Sunday. If Leicester can win key duels and disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm, they might have a chance to spoil the Reds’ opening day plans.
Key Players: Grace Fisk and Jutta Rantala
Liverpool’s Grace Fisk was an ever-present figure in the WSL last season, starting all 22 league games. Her consistency at the back was vital in providing a solid foundation for the team’s success. Fisk’s ability to read the game, combined with her aerial strength, makes her one of Liverpool’s key players heading into this season.
On the other side, Leicester’s standout performer last season was Jutta Rantala, who finished as both her club’s top scorer and leading assist provider. With six goals and five assists, Rantala was a crucial part of Leicester’s attack, and she will once again be their main source of creativity and goals. Stopping Rantala will be a priority for Liverpool, as her ability to both score and create chances makes her a constant threat.
Conclusion: A Fascinating Season Opener
As Liverpool FC Women prepare to face Leicester City in the season opener, there is much at stake for both sides. For the Reds, this match offers an opportunity to build on last season’s success, continue their winning momentum, and showcase their aerial dominance. Meanwhile, Leicester will be determined to prove they are more than just a mid-table team, relying on their physicality and the influence of key players like Rantala to challenge Liverpool.
With both teams eager to start the new campaign on a positive note, Sunday’s clash promises to be an exciting, closely-fought encounter. Liverpool’s fans will be hoping that their team can replicate last season’s victories over the Foxes and set the tone for what could be another successful season under Matt Beard’s leadership.
The WSL continues to grow in quality and competitiveness each year, and with Liverpool’s ambitious aspirations, this could be the start of a memorable campaign for the Reds. All eyes will be on St Helens Stadium as the Reds aim to kick off their season in style.
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Thank you for your continued support, and let’s cheer Liverpool on to success in the upcoming match. Your thoughts are always welcome in the comments section. For further insights, you may explore the official Liverpool FC website by clicking here.
YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com