PreviewCeri Holland interview: 'We're in a really good place and looking forward to Chelsea'

Last weekend's 2-1 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park has given the team a timely boost in confidence and belief ahead of a huge test.

The Reds won a seven-goal thriller with the Blues on home turf last season, having also opened the 2022-23 campaign with a 2-1 triumph over them.

Chelsea, now managed by Sonia Bompastor, boast a 100 per cent record in the WSL so far this term and have racked up +17 goal difference in just five outings.

Ahead of the clash, Liverpoolfc.com spoke to midfielder Holland about the win at Villa Park, two-goal hero Taylor Hinds and Sunday's showdown – read on for the interview…

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On the victory versus Villa…

It was great, a really good win. I think we were really good in the first half. Maybe it became a little bit transitional for us in the second half but it was really good to hold out for the win, especially after the international break. Definitely three points we needed.

On earning high praise from the manager for her own performance after completing 120 minutes for Wales leading up to the game…

I'm happy to help the team as much as I can and I just love playing football. So, I was happy to get 90 minutes under my belt at the weekend, especially after the injury. So, a good camp and good to come back with a win. I'm just really happy to get going with the team again and just enjoying being back.

On the brilliant contribution from match-winner Hinds at Villa Park…

To be fair to her, they were two fantastic finishes, especially the second one from a tight angle. That is part of the way we play, we want to get our wing-backs high, get in the right positions, and luckily Taylor managed to get in there and put them away.

On a special mention for Leanne Kiernan, who got an assist and played a role in the second goal…

I was really happy to see Leanne out there because she has worked really hard. In pre-season and the season so far, she has been training really hard. It was fantastic for her to get the opportunity and great [for her] to contribute towards the goals.

On facing Chelsea…

We know they are a very good team, but they are a team we've challenged in the past, especially last season and I don't think people will forget that game. We are really looking forward to it and we are in a really good place. They are a very good side and we are not taking that away from them, but we feel they've got weaknesses we can exploit. We know we've got really good players here, so we will be confident going into this game. We know we have to be defensively sound on the day but also take our chances when they come, and if we can do that I think we will be in a good spot.