Preview: Everton Ladies vs. Chelsea Women - prediction, team news, lineups

Everton Ladies will attempt to claim a third consecutive victory when they welcome Chelsea Women to Walton Hall Park on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the reigning Women's Super League champions are also searching for a third straight win after beating Manchester City and West Ham United in their previous two games.

Match preview

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Despite losing his opening match as Everton boss, Brian Sorensen has enjoyed a promising start to his tenure with the Merseyside club currently sat in fifth position.

Sorensen's first win as Everton manager took place on matchday two, as the Toffees cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over local rivals Liverpool.

Three more points followed against Leicester, with a 94th-minute own goal from Kirstie Levell gifting Everton all three points.

As well as claiming two straight victories, Everton have recorded consecutive clean sheets, but their defence will have to be at their very best if they are to keep Chelsea at bay.

They will also have their work cut out in the final third after failing to score in their previous five competitive meetings against the WSL champions.

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Meanwhile, Chelsea announced during the week that their manager Emma Hayes has undergone an emergency hysterectomy following an ongoing battle with endometriosis.

While Hayes is in recovery, Denise Reddy will be in charge of on-field matters, and Paul Green will have the duty of carrying out press obligations.

Reddy will lead a side that have bounced back from an opening-day defeat to Liverpool by claiming consecutive victories.

After beating Manchester City, the Blues came from a goal down to beat West Ham United in their most recent encounter thanks to goals from Fran Kirby, Sam Kerr and Millie Bright.

With both those victories taking place on home turf, Chelsea will attempt to claim their first away points of the season on Sunday.

Team News

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Katja Snoeijs participated in Everton training on Friday, but she remains a doubt after picking up an ankle injury while on international duty with the Netherlands.

The hosts will also be without the services of Chelsea loanee Aggie Beever-Jones, who is ineligible to face her parent club.

After featuring as a substitute in Everton's last two games, Hanna Bennison could be brought into the side for Sunday's contest.

As for Chelsea, they are without the services of Jelena Cankovic, who will miss out due to a slight knock, while Melanie Leupolz is also absent after recently giving birth.

Pernille Harder will be included in a Chelsea matchday squad for the first time this season after recovering from injury, although the 29-year-old may have to settle for a place on the bench as the Blues manage her comeback.

Meanwhile, Lauren James may return to the starting lineup after being dropped for the 3-1 victory over West Ham.

Everton Ladies possible starting lineup:

Brosnan; Finnigan, Sevecke, Veje; Graham, Bjorn, Galli, George; Bennison, Christiansen, Park

Chelsea Women possible starting lineup:

Berger; Bright, Buchanan, Eriksson; Fleming, Cuthbert, Mjelde, Reiten; James, Kirby, Kerr

We say: Everton Ladies 1-3 Chelsea Women

Chelsea have won their last five competitive meetings with Everton, and we think that the Blues will continue that winning record by claiming their first away victory of the season on Sunday.

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