As the 2026/27 Women’s Super League (WSL) season approaches, Everton Women are set to face a challenging start, with three of their first four matches taking place away from home. The campaign kicks off on September 6 against newly promoted Crystal Palace at the VBS Community Stadium in London, marking a significant test for the Toffees right out of the gate.
Following their opener, Everton will return to Goodison Park the following week to host another newly promoted side, Charlton Athletic, who secured their top-flight status by defeating Leicester City in a promotion/relegation playoff. This match will be crucial for the Blues as they aim to establish a strong home presence after a disappointing previous season. After the match against Charlton, Everton will embark on two more away fixtures, including a trip to West Ham United, before concluding the month with a highly anticipated Merseyside derby.
One of the key questions surrounding Everton Women is whether this away-heavy schedule could actually work in their favor. Historically, the team has struggled with slow starts, a trend they hoped to break last season when they opened with a stunning 4-1 victory over Liverpool, highlighted by a hat trick from Ornella Vignola. However, despite that promising beginning, the team failed to secure another league win until December, which ultimately led to the departure of manager Brian Sorensen.
Scott Phelan, a former academy graduate, took over the managerial role and quickly turned the team’s fortunes around, achieving as many wins in his first three games as Sorensen had managed throughout the entire season. Nevertheless, the Toffees finished the previous campaign with only three victories at Goodison Park, leaving fans and players eager for improvement in the upcoming season.
Phelan’s first full season in charge will be pivotal, especially with seven new signings joining the squad. The fixture list presents both challenges and opportunities, particularly with the first two matches against newly promoted teams. While the Blues have historically struggled at home, they performed better on the road last season, amassing 14 points away compared to just nine at home. This trend could provide a psychological boost as they navigate their initial matches.
Moreover, the upcoming Merseyside derby against Liverpool will be a significant fixture in their early schedule. The Toffees have a strong recent record against their city rivals, having won their last five league encounters on the road while conceding only once. This history could serve as motivation for the team as they look to build momentum early in the season.
As September progresses, Everton Women will transition from their away fixtures to a more favorable home schedule in October, where they will host Birmingham City and WSL giants Manchester United among others. A positive outcome from their initial matches could greatly enhance the team's confidence and help them embrace Goodison Park as a true home ground.
With the new season on the horizon, the anticipation and pressure are mounting for Everton Women. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Phelan can orchestrate a fast start and improve the team's fortunes in the WSL. The fixture list presents both challenges and opportunities that could define the trajectory of their season.
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