Everton Women v Brighton & Hove Albion: WSL match preview

Brian Sorensen is looking forward to seeing his Everton Women’s team play and has admitted he and his staff have worked hard to ensure a healthier 2024/25 season.

Last season was blighted by injuries but the Blues boss has promised better dialogue with international managers as he seeks to avoid his stars being sidelined for long periods.

The squad travel to Brighton & Hove Albion this Saturday and could well include new signings Rylee Foster and Lauren Thomas, who have both signed short-term deals with A-League side Wellington Phoenix and Women’s Championship side Blackburn Rovers respectively.

Photo by Ed Sykes – The FA/The FA via Getty Images

And Sorensen feels his team is ready for the challenge against the Seagulls, saying:

“They (Brighton) brought a lot, were active on deadline day and added a few more.

“We’ll have to see what they offer us.

“I have a pretty good idea of ​​how Dario (Vidošić) will want to play after watching a few Melbourne City games. He will probably try to have the same structure. Who will play the wingers, the 9s, the 10s, they have so many options now.

“We’re looking forward to seeing each other play and we’re ready for the task.”

And on the injury side, the Dane continued:

“It’s something we’ve studied, we’ve analysed where a lot of injuries were coming from. We looked especially at international level because there were tough games in the Nations League, then our league games were tough.

“We analyzed that, how we play and how they are positioned with their national teams, because sometimes they are exposed to different types of positions.

“We will prepare them better and we will have a better dialogue with the national teams because 60 to 70% of the injuries we have had have occurred during and around the national team periods.

“We hope we have learned lessons from this and can manage the situation better.

Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images

“There have also been a number of bizarre accidents which we hope will not happen again this year.”

The opposition

Finishing one place and four points behind their weekend visitors, Brighton will be hoping new signings like former Blue Nikita Parris and Chelsea legend Fran Kirby will help the south coast side launch a serious assault on the top six.

The two aforementioned signings are arguably the marquee acquisitions for new coach Vidošić, who arrived in July from A-League club Melbourne City, where he took over as head coach in 2023 en route to the league title.

Previous meetings

Brighton fell victim to the Holmgaard twins in April when the Blues won at the American Express Stadium last season.

Sara’s precise cross was headed home by Karen, giving the visitors the lead.

Tatiana Pinto equalised minutes later, but Guro Bergsvand scored an own goal to give Everton all three points.

Photo by Charlie Crowhurst – The FA/The FA via Getty Images

In recent meetings, the two teams are tied with four wins each and four draws in 12 games.

The Toffees are also level on their opening day record over the last ten seasons, with five draws and five defeats, with Everton’s last draw coming in 2014 against Birmingham City.

Here’s a six-five in our favor tomorrow.

Everton Women’s team kick off their 2024/25 season tomorrow at Brighton & Hove Albion. Kick-off at 12:30 (BST).