Liverpool will be desperate to record their first win of the season as they go in search of a hat trick of WSL titles. The reds, who lost to newly promoted Sunderland a week ago, will be hoping they can bounce back to form with a win against one of the sides they beat to the title last year.
Birmingham, who themselves drew at home to Manchester City on the opening day, will also be keen to notch a first league win. The midlands team have already overcome the merseysiders this year, running out 3-1 winners in the 5th round of the FA Cup.
The Blue’s will be without England International Karen Carney as she continues her recovery from a back injury. David Parker’s squad is not littered with household names but have proven themselves as one of the leagues toughest teams, as acknowledged by Liverpool defender Becky Easton.
She said: “They might not be full of superstar players but they are a proper squad and work hard together as a team which makes them even harder to beat.”
The two sides could hardly be separated last season, recording a 1-1 draw at the Select Security Stadium and a narrow 2-1 victory for the Reds after some quick thinking from all-time England cap holder Fara Williams, who scored straight from the kick off.
The Williams’ goal proved vital when Liverpool went on to win the league on goal difference from Chelsea with Birmingham only a point behind in third. But despite last year’s disappointment, Birmingham will look to the FA Cup match as proof that they can go and get the better of the champions again.
Blue’s midfielder Remi Allen said ahead of the game: “They’re a great side. You only need to look at the results of the last the few years to see what they can do and what they’ve done.”
She added, “But we know we’re a good side and we’ve got some good players, so there’s no reason why we can’t beat them.”
