Tottenham Hotspur Women host Everton Women at Brisbane Road on Saturday, 14 November, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm GMT.

The sides head into the weekend separated by five points in the WSL table, with Tottenham sitting fourth after nine matches and Everton in eighth. Martin Ho’s side have enjoyed a productive start to the campaign, while Everton will be encouraged by recent performances as they look to climb the standings.

Everton arrive in London looking to build on their recent positive results, but face a Tottenham side that have scored 25 goals in nine league matches. Both teams will be keen to take another step forward as the season progresses.

Key stats

  • Tottenham are fourth in the WSL table with 16 points from nine matches.
  • Everton sit eighth with 11 points from the same number of games.
  • Spurs have scored 25 goals and conceded 18 in the league this season.
  • Everton have scored eight goals and conceded 10.
  • Tottenham have won three of their last five league matches.
  • The reverse fixture in September ended in a 0-0 draw.
  • Everton won 2-1 on their previous visit to Tottenham in the second half of last season.

Tottenham looking to maintain momentum

Tottenham have made a strong start to the campaign and currently occupy fourth place, with 16 points from their opening nine matches.

Their attacking output has been one of the standout features of their season so far, with 25 goals scored. Bethany England has also been in good form, finding the net in each of her last two appearances.

Spurs head into the fixture after a 2-1 victory over Brighton, having won three of their last five league matches. However, their recent record has not been entirely straightforward, with a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal also highlighting the challenges they have faced.

Martin Ho will be without Eveliina Summanen, who remains sidelined after picking up a knock in the win over Birmingham City on 1 November. The Finland international has missed the last two matches, with Ho suggesting she is more likely to return for the midweek Subway Players Cup fixture against Leicester City.

“It's as we were for the Crystal Palace game – no changes,” Ho said.

“Eveliina is more likely for Leicester going into that game – it just gives her a little bit more time and doesn't force her back for this one.”

Olga Ahtinen could be available for next weekend's trip to Manchester City, while Alice Sombath, Clare Hunt and Maite Oroz also remain out.

Everton aiming to build on positive foundations

Everton travel to Brisbane Road sitting eighth in the table, with 11 points from nine matches. Their record of eight goals scored and 10 conceded suggests a side that have been competitive defensively, although they will be looking to improve their attacking output.

The Toffees have taken encouragement from recent performances, including a draw with Chelsea and a goalless result against Manchester United. Head coach Scott Phelan believes his side are still developing but has been pleased with the foundations being established.

“It's been a little bit of a mixed bag,” Phelan said. “We've done some good bits and some not-so-good bits. That's where we are as a group; we are right at the beginning of trying to build and develop something. Of course, there will be some teething problems and that has proved to be the case.

“There have been lots of positive moments as well. It's important that we remember them and build on them to move forward and that's something that we are desperate to do.

“It's been a little bit of a mixed bag, but enough to be happy with.”

Phelan is aware of the challenge Tottenham will pose, but insists Everton will remain focused on their own development rather than becoming distracted by their opponents.

“Spurs have won plenty of games, but they've also had their own challenges so far this season and that's something for them to consider moving forward. We are just focusing on what we are trying to do and we are happy enough with how the season has started. We just want to use what we've done so far to build on and move forward if we can.”

Everton will also take confidence from their previous visit to Tottenham, when they claimed a 2-1 victory in the second half of last season. Phelan believes that result is a reminder of what his players can achieve when they perform together.

“We know the amount of effort and togetherness that it will take to be successful this weekend, that was certainly the case last season. It also shows that we've got nothing to fear.”

He added: “It shows that the players can do something at this football club when they are together and united which they are. Nine times out of 10, it's an extra advantage that other teams maybe don't have the camaraderie that we have.”

Head-to-head

The most recent meeting between the sides ended in a 0-0 draw at Walton Hall Park in September, with Everton goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan making several important saves to keep Tottenham at bay.

However, Everton have already demonstrated that they can cause problems for Spurs away from home, having secured a 2-1 victory at Brisbane Road during the second half of last season.

That result will offer Phelan's side encouragement ahead of Saturday's encounter, although Tottenham's improved attacking numbers this season mean Everton will need to be organised and disciplined to take something from the game.

With five points separating the teams, a victory would be valuable for both sides. Tottenham could strengthen their position in the top four, while Everton have an opportunity to close the gap on the teams above them.

Opta prediction

Tottenham enter the match as favourites, with Opta giving the hosts a 54.4% chance of victory. The draw is rated at 23.4%, while Everton have a 22.1% chance of taking all three points.

The prediction reflects Tottenham's stronger league position and attacking record, although Everton's previous win at Brisbane Road and recent competitive performances suggest they should not be discounted.

Predicted line-ups

Tottenham: Blakstad, Spence, Gaupset, Vinberg, Pelova, Holdt, Tandberg.

Everton: Brosnan, Blundell, Layzell, Ishikawa, Kitagawa, Wheeler, Mace, Momiki, van Gool, Pacheco, Vignola.

Line-ups are provisional and based on the player information available ahead of the fixture.

Striver’s prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Everton

Tottenham's attacking quality could prove decisive at Brisbane Road, particularly with Bethany England arriving in good goalscoring form.

Everton have shown that they can compete against strong opposition and will take confidence from their previous victory at the ground. However, Spurs' greater goal threat and home advantage give them the edge.

We expect Everton to make it a competitive contest, but Tottenham could have enough to secure all three points.