Match preview: Taking on Liverpool in the Players Cup

Aston Villa Women have qualification for the Subway Players Cup Knockout Phase in their sights as they head to Liverpool on Wednesday.

Brian Sørensen's side drew 1-1 with neighbours Birmingham City last time out in the competition, before securing a vital bonus point via penalty shootout.

That draw was followed by a narrow 1-0 defeat to Manchester United in the Women's Super League on Sunday, ending our seven-game unbeaten run across all competitions.

Now it's all eyes on St Helens Stadium as the team looks to bounce back to winning ways and take another big step towards the next round.

ICYMI: New look League Cup

The Subway Players Cup is a new-look version of the Women's League Cup from this season onwards. The competition operates in a Swiss-style league format before a traditional knockout stage, with the final set for March.

Villa Women's six League Phase matches are as follows:

• W - 2-0 Nottingham Forest  - Wednesday 23 September, The City Ground
• W - 3-1 Newcastle United - Wednesday 30 September, Keys Park
• W - 2-0 Burnley - Wednesday 21 October, Turf Moor
• D - 1-1 Birmingham City (6-5 shootout victory) - Wednesday 28 October, Keys Park
• Liverpool (A) - 7pm, Wednesday 11 November, St Helens Stadium
• Sheffield United (H) - 7pm, Wednesday, 16 December, Keys Park

Up Next: Liverpool

Hosts Liverpool head into this meeting low on confidence after losing four and drawing one of their past five games in all competitions.

The form book makes for slightly better reading for the Reds in League Cup terms mind, with two wins from their three League Phase games so far.

They kicked off with back-to-back wins over Birmingham City and Sunderland, though were on the wrong end of a 5-3 thriller against Manchester United in their most recent cup outing.

As it stands Gareth Taylors side occupy eighth in the standings, the last automatic qualification spot for the knockout phase, with a four-team chasing pack in close pursuit behind them.

Tickets will be available for on the day purchase for Wednesday night's cup clash, with supporters advised to head to the Ticket Office next to the Main Reception at St Helens Stadium from 90 minutes prior to kick-off.

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For supporters unable to make the trip to the North West, the match will be broadcast live on the Liverpool's club YouTube channel.

Click to watch free live stream

What Do The Stats Say?

• Defender Mathilde Harviken became our sixth different Players Cup goalscorer this season when she netted the opener against Birmingham City.
• That header was the Norwegian's first goal for Villa, her first in English football, and her first in 605 days since netting for former club Juventus against Roma in March 2025.
• Villa have already beaten Liverpool once this season, launching a superb second half comeback to win 2-1 in the Women's Super League at Keys Park last month.

Rewind: Ramsey's shootout heroics claim bonus point

Team News

Having made her return from a long-term ACL injury against Manchester United on Sunday, midfielder Jill Baijings could be in line to make her first Subway Players cup appearance of the campaign.

As per the player availability update published on Saturday 7 November, forwards Rachel Daly and Kamilla Melgård, and goalkeepers Ellie Roebuck, Lily Clark and Emily Ramsey are unavailable for selection.