Manchester City head coach Gareth Taylor is expecting another stern test from Liverpool when the two sides meet at Prenton Park on Sunday.
The Reds have won four of their last five home matches in the Barclays Women’s Super League while they ran Chelsea close at Kingsmeadow in midweek before going down 2-1.
When speaking in the pre-match press conference, Manchester City boss Taylor said that overcoming early Liverpool pressure could be important if his side are to get the three points.
“They’re dogged and determined and they usually come out and engage with high pressure,” Taylor said. “If you are successful in beating that, then you can see gaps appearing. The hard part is getting beyond that first bit of pressure.
“They are a team that are dangerous on set plays as well, similar to West Ham and Reading who we have faced recently. All of these teams will have something that they do really well in certain areas.
“We are well aware of the threat of Liverpool. It is a good game for us and one that we are looking forward to on the back of the two previous games. We will be going there to do our best.”
Manchester City have already faced Liverpool twice this season. The Cityzens have beaten The Reds on both occasions but they have been competitive contests. Taylor is expecting another significant test at Prenton Park on Sunday.
He said “Both games were quite difficult; a home and away game in two different competitions.
“One of our former players in Meg Campbell was in both of those games and it becomes a completely different game of trying to limit how many set plays you give away, particularly throw ins. Anything from inside your half is coming into the box. That presents a different type of challenge but she hasn’t played more recently, so it remains to be seen if we will see her on Sunday. It changes the outcome of the game.
“The games have been tough. We really had to earn the three points when we were here (at The Academy Stadium) and even more so in the Continental Cup game where I felt we put on a really good performance.
“Nothing is given to you for free. Matt (Beard) is really diligent, he gets the players organised and it makes it extremely tough.”
Manchester City’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture at Liverpool kicks-off at 2pm on Sunday afternoon.
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