Programme notesMatt Beard: We respect Chelsea's quality but we know we can perform in these games

The Reds return to St Helens Stadium for a 12.30pm GMT kick-off against the Barclays Women’s Super League title-holders - a fixture Beard’s side have won in each of the previous two seasons.

In his matchday programme notes, the boss acknowledges the strength of the opposition today but insists his own players will attack the game with the same mindset that has served them well in the past.

• Get your copy of the programme at St Helens Stadium or online here

“Chelsea have had a fine start to the season and Sonia Bompastor has come in and done a good job because it was always going to be tough for whoever replaced Emma Hayes,” says Beard.

“Their performances have got better and I thought last Sunday’s game at Everton was one of their best performances with the ball. Chelsea have won five leagues on the spin now and their strength in depth is phenomenal.

“If you look at the two squads that Manchester City and Chelsea have, they’ve probably got two XIs that could play and compete for the top three in the WSL. I think if Chelsea put out two XIs they could possibly be placed one and two.

“Even so, we’ve beaten them at home in each of the last two seasons and while, as always, we’ll always respect our opponent, we’re going to be playing to win the game and I do feel that we perform well against the top sides.

“It’s a game that we’re looking forward to and it’s another opportunity to test ourselves.”

Liverpool come into this contest having recorded a 2-1 win at Villa Park a week ago.

Taylor Hinds scored both goals for the visitors during the first half, before the Reds held firm following Gabi Nunes’ response for Aston Villa soon after the restart.

The result in the Midlands further enhanced an excellent current away streak for Beard’s charges.

“Last Sunday’s win saw us set a new club record of eight games unbeaten in the WSL and six of those results have been victories,” he adds.

“The previous best run was in the title-winning seasons of 2013 and 2014 so that shows the standards that we have been setting.

“It’s a fantastic achievement and definitely makes for some good trips for our fans. The support at Aston Villa last weekend was fantastic, as it has been all season, and it’s been brilliant that one of our club partners, Expedia, have been putting on free coaches for our travelling supporters.

“I’m pleased for the fans more than anything else. To travel up and down the country so regularly is a lot and the fact that we can reward them with strong performances and wins and draws away from home is very pleasing.

“We know that we’ve got to continue that. It’s a good stat to have but we are well aware that we have to keep our heads down and keep working hard to maintain those standards.”