Match preview: Ladies ready for Chelsea test
Liverpool Ladies host Chelsea in their final Women's Super League home game of the season tonight so show your support by coming down to the Select Security Stadium in Widnes for the 7pm BST kick-off.
The Ladies, who have won the WSL 1 title twice in a row, have let their grip on the competition slip following a difficult season.
The Reds have lost their last two games against Arsenal and Manchester City in the FA Women’s Super League with BT Sport and sit sixth.
It is boss Matt Beard’s last home league game in charge of the club before his move to Boston Breakers, and striker Natasha Dowie is hoping it will be the perfect send-off.
“Our fans are tremendous; they are the best in the league, so it will be brilliant to get a win in our last home game in the league and a chance to push us up the league,” she said.
“We are devastated that we can’t win the league and make it three in a row, but we want to beat Chelsea to ensure we have the best finish possible.
“I don’t look at the game like it’s a chance to decide if Chelsea win the title, it’s just another game for Liverpool in front of our fans and we want to win for them.
“We want to beat Chelsea and if it means we end up having a say in the title race then it makes it an exciting end to the season, but that isn’t our motivation.”
View from the opposition
If results go their way Chelsea could secure the FA WSL 1 title on Sunday in front of the BT Sport cameras with victory against Liverpool but Niamh Fahey insists the Blues must focus on themselves.
Chelsea know a slip-up from Manchester City in their early kick-off at home to struggling Bristol Academy will open the door for a maiden WSL 1 title.
Yet with a trip to reigning champions Liverpool to contend with, 27-year-old Fahey knows all attention must remain on the task at hand.
Chelsea currently sit two points above Manchester City with two games to go and Fahey says her team are aiming for victory at the Select Security Stadium.
“Of course the league is close but there is no point in focusing on someone else, we need to stay focused on ourselves and make sure we win the game on Sunday and get the three points,” she said.
“Everyone is in high spirits and we are looking forward to the game at the weekend.
“The last game against Liverpool was a weird one as there were chances from both sides, we know what Liverpool are like, we know how they play, it will be a good game and we are just focusing on the game ahead.”
Last time out
The last time the two sides was met was in April this year as a deft lob from Eniola Aluko sealed the three points for Emma Hayes' side.
England midfielder Fara Williams had the opportunity to secure a point for the Reds from the penalty spot but could only hit the outside of the post on what was a frustrating afternoon in front of goal for Beard's side.
Click here to read captain Gemma Bonner's thoughts on the big game.
Click here to read more about Liverpool Ladies.