Everton Women vs Birmingham City: Subway Players Cup preview | Will Phelan ring the changes?
New look format for competition sees Blues start with a home tie
Everton Women are set to face Birmingham City in the first game of the Subway Players Cup at Goodison Park on Wednesday. This year's tournament features 23 teams, with each team playing at least six games - three home and three away. In the event of a draw, penalties will decide the outcome. The new format was designed to enhance player welfare and provide more opportunities for players not involved in European competitions.
The League Cup was once used to develop young talent, but this year it holds more significance for Everton, who are in search of their first trophy since 2010. Manager Scott Phelan has the opportunity to make changes and give players like Issy Hobson and Maz Pacheco more minutes on the field. The defense has been solid, with a pair of clean sheets in their last two games, and Courtney Brosnan is the club's most underrated goalkeeper.
Aurora Galli hopes to make an impact in midfield, while Honoka Hayashi and Zara Kramzar are fighting for starting positions. Forward line newcomers Jutta Rantala and Noémie Mouchon may make their debuts, while Jockey McNamara is expected to score the majority of Everton's goals. Despite Birmingham's recent struggles, they boast experience and the potential to cause an upset.
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