Programme notesMatt Beard: I'm excited about what this squad can achieve

The Reds are looking to make it three wins from three in the Barclays Women's Super League when they host Everton Women for a much-anticipated encounter today.

And Beard is hopeful 2023-24 can prove to be a hugely positive campaign for the club.

• Pick up your copy of the matchday programme at our online store or at Anfield this afternoon

In the matchday programme, Beard writes: "I was really pleased with last Sunday's performance against Aston Villa.

"I thought we were excellent in the first 20 to 25 minutes and could have had the game put to bed had we been a bit more clinical or astute in the final third with the last delivery or the finish. Overall, we defended really well again.

"There were some moments that showed we just need to tidy up on one or two decisions – whether that's clearing our lines, connecting a pass or simplifying the game a little bit rather than trying to be too clever.

"We want to build that consistency but what we do have is an unbelievable togetherness and a desire. There's still so much more to come from this team, which is the really pleasing thing.

"We've still got Niamh Fahey, Sophie Roman Haug, Leanne Kiernan and Shanice van de Sanden missing and younger players such as Zara Shaw and Faye Kirby out as well, so the great thing for me is that I've got some world-class players to come back and I've got a team right now that's still finding its feet.

"So I'm excited to see what this squad can achieve this year, because I feel that we've got everything in this team to be successful.

"We've had a real tough start, playing an Aston Villa team that broke into the top five of the WSL last year and who have signed a lot of quality players in the off-season, and then obviously beating a top team in Arsenal away.

"We've given ourselves a great platform to have a successful season but we're also well aware that it's only two games and there's a lot of work still to do."

• Pick up your copy of the matchday programme at our online store or at Anfield this afternoon