This Wednesday, Everton Women will kick off their 2025/26 Subway League Cup campaign with an away match against Manchester City. Head coach Brian Sorensen has indicated that one or two fringe players may feature in the game, as the squad looks to bounce back from recent Women’s Super League (WSL) setbacks.

Squad Changes and Player Availability

After suffering two consecutive defeats at home, the Toffees are eager to regain their momentum. However, they will face this challenge without goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan, who is sidelined due to a knee injury, and Kelly Gago, who is following concussion protocols.

Sorensen’s primary objective is integrating his nine new signings and taking advantage of the opportunity for fringe players to make their mark. He stated, “We are still building, gelling and working on the relationships within the squad. Some of the ones that maybe haven’t played as much will feature and get a run out.”

Recent Performance and Optimism

Despite the recent defeats, Sorensen remains optimistic, especially given the team’s improved performances against Manchester City in the past season. He noted, “Overall, we have a good record against City – we took four points off of them last year with a win at home and then a draw at their place. Hopefully, we can make it an even game tomorrow.”

The Opposition

Manchester City enters this match having secured two wins from their first three league matches. Head coach Andrée Jeglertz confirmed that his squad is in good shape; however, Lauren Hemp will likely miss the match after undergoing an ankle scan. The squad remains formidable despite possible rotations, featuring players who have already scored eight goals this season.

With the club’s record scorer Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw recovering from injuries, it remains uncertain whether she will participate. However, the City lineup includes experienced players like Alex Greenwood and Grace Clinton, both familiar to Everton fans.

Previous Meetings

Historically, matches between these two teams have favored Manchester City. During their last League Cup meeting in October 2023, goals from Shaw and former Everton loanee Jess Park gave City a decisive victory, although Toni Duggan’s late response was a consolation for Everton.

In a contrasting performance last season, Everton claimed their first-ever WSL win over Manchester City, featuring stellar goals from Lucy Hope and Honoka Hayashi. This was celebrated as perhaps their best performance of the season, with a narrow result assisted by a late penalty from Mary Fowler.

In their most recent encounter, Karen Holmgaard’s equalizer earned Everton a point, demonstrating their own growth in prowess against a traditionally stronger rival.

Looking Ahead

As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, there is a sense of anticipation. Everton Women aim to capitalize on their previous performances and the readiness of recently acquired talents. The match begins at the Joie Stadium on Wednesday, September 24 at 7 PM (local time).