Everton visit the Madejski Stadium to face Reading on Sunday in Round 15 of the Women’s Super League.
The game, originally planned for Wednesday night, then Thursday night will now be played on Valentine’s Day in Berkshire.
The Royals come off the back of a fantastic victory over Manchester United last weekend. Goals from Natasha Harding and Danielle Carter handed Kelly Chambers’ side a 2-0 victory at Leigh Sports Village. A first clean sheet for the Royals in 11 WSL games.
Willie Kirk’s Toffees drew with Birmingham City 1-1 last weekend with Danielle Turner scoring a free kick.
In the WSL table, the sides are both locked on 18 points sitting fourth and fifth. The visitors have the advantage on goal difference having both a better defensive record and attacking return this campaign. Everton do have two games in hand, however.
LAST TIME THEY MET
It ended honours even at Walton Hall Park earlier this season in a 1-1 draw. Simone Magill opened the scoring for the Toffees after sweeping up from a Grace Moloney save before Natasha Harding levelled from long range. Both goals came in a three-minute spell, in a tie low on opportunities back in November.
TEAM NEWS
Reading face another weekend without Brooke Chaplen (illness) while Ga-Eul Jeon (injury) and Fara Williams (illness) remain long-term absentees. Kristine Leine and Lauren Bruton both returned to be named amongst the substitutes at Manchester United with both being unused. The pair will have a job on their hands to displace the starting XI that recorded a clean sheet and victory against the title challengers. Silvana Flores who joined the club last weekend will be looking to deputise.
UNLIKELY TO PLAY*: Fara Williams, Brooke Chaplen (both Illness), Ga-Eul Jeon (Injury).
Everton have a near fully fit squad at their disposal with Poppy Pattinson the only doubt. The youngster has not featured recently and looks set to miss put again. Long term absentee Gabrielle George returned to the bench last weekend while Rikke Sevecke and Valerie Gauvin have minutes under their belts after spending time on the sidelines recently.
UNLIKELY TO PLAY*: Poppy Pattinson (injury).
TIME: 14:00 Sunday 14th February, Madejski Stadium, Reading.
(Available to watch on FA Player)
ONE TO WATCH
RACHEL ROWE (MF) – POINTS 55 – £17,500
The Welsh midfielder has cemented her place in the starting lineup recently in the absence of Fara Williams. Alongside fellow ‘Welshie’s’ Angharad James and Jess Fishlock in a midfield trio, Rowe has put in a series of impressive performances. She was named player of the match last weekend in the victory over Manchester United and is certain to retain her place this weekend. In ShePlays Fantasy League, Rowe has recorded high scores for the last two rounds (14 & 9) and is proving well worth her £17,500 fantasy price tag!
ALISHA LEHMANN (FW) – POINTS 25 – £20,000
Simply put; SHE LOVES PLAYING READING!
The young Swiss striker recently joined Everton on loan from West Ham United and will be looking to make an impression. Lehmann has an amazing record against the Royals having netted five times in her eight games against the Berkshire side including at the Madejski Stadium for the Hammers last season.
Written by Ben Waite (Follow on Twitter at @etiawneb for regular WSL updates!)
*Please note, all information we have may not be 100% accurate