Programme notesNiamh Fahey: Let's try to end 2024 on a real high against Arsenal

The Reds host the Gunners in their final outing of the calendar year, with kick-off in the Barclays Women's Super League clash set for 2.30pm GMT.

While club captain Fahey is aware of the challenge posed by Arsenal, the No.5 is hoping the midweek win over Everton - their first on home soil this season - can give the team a big lift.

Writing in her matchday programme notes, Fahey says: "It's our final game of 2024 and we will be looking to sign off on a high, although we understand the size of the task presented by Arsenal.

"They are flying at the minute and seem to have a new-found confidence under their interim head coach Renee Slegers.

"They're coming into the game in good form at the minute and it's always a tough game against Arsenal here, as we have seen down the years.

"Regardless of their midweek game against Valerenga in the Champions League, they have such a big squad that I don't think that's going to have too much of an impact for them come Sunday afternoon.

"Again, it's one of those games where we are going to have to be at our best, and when we do reach that level we've proven time and time again that we can take points.

"So we have to take confidence from that but also make sure that our prep is right throughout this week first, and we started that with the win against Everton.

"It was good to get our first victory at St Helens, score some goals and keep a clean sheet, which was important too. Since then it's been about making sure we recover well and are ready to go again.

"Maddy Duffy made her first appearance last Sunday, and we had two more debutants on Wednesday in goalkeeper Eva Spencer and midfielder Neve McDonald.

"Neve almost marked the occasion with a goal too and was unlucky to see it ruled out for offside. It would have been great if that had stood, but I think she was happy with her debut and she did well.

"It hasn't been easy for us as a group for different reasons this season and we have had a lot of injuries to contend with.

"I suppose when you can't get a consistent XI onto the field it probably is a factor in terms of consistency and performances. However, that's what the squad is there for as well and as difficult as it has been at times, we all have to be ready to do a job when called upon.

"Yes, things have been difficult but we still have it within our capability to be able to produce better performances, so it's about accountability and making sure that as players we're ready to perform as and when required.

"We're disappointed with the way that things have panned out in this first half of the season but it's still early days.

"We want to finish the year on a high and give our supporters something to cheer going into the Christmas period, so we'll be doing everything we can to make sure that we finish off on a positive note going into 2025.

"Finally, on behalf of all the girls and the backroom staff, I'd like to thank you all for your fantastic support of the girls through thick and thin this year. We wish you and your families a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year."