PreviewEmma Koivisto: Confidence is high and we're hungry for FA Cup progress
Liverpool FC Women are aiming to harness their confidence for good when they host Leicester City in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup quarter-finals, explained Emma Koivisto.
The Reds have won their last three games in all competitions – each away from home – with the latest a 4-1 league victory at Aston Villa on Sunday.
Koivisto provided two of the goals for Matt Beard’s team against Villa, and feels positivity is coursing through the squad as a result of their recent form.
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Watch on YouTubeAnd the Finland international detailed the hunger to make it four in a row versus Leicester, particularly with an FA Cup last-four spot up for grabs at Prenton Park.
On how much confidence the players can take from last weekend, she told Liverpoolfc.com: “A lot, we scored four goals so I think that gives a lot of confidence to us.
“We’re really hungry to win against Leicester so that we can get into the semi-finals.
“Playing at home is a really big advantage to us because our fans are amazing and they give a lot of energy to us.”
Liverpool and Leicester have clashed twice already this season, gaining a 2-1 home win apiece during the first half of the campaign.
The Foxes were victorious in the Continental League Cup encounter before the Reds took all three points from their Barclays Women’s Super League fixture.
“Leicester are a really good team, I think they could be even higher in the table, they have a lot of potential,” said Koivisto.
“They are a really aggressive team, they press really high. So, if we are able to break their press then we can maybe find some spaces to play. But, yeah, it’s going to be tough.”
As evidenced by her double at Villa, wing-back Koivisto is relishing the freedom to get forward that comes with her specific role in the team.
Likewise, on the left flank, Jasmine Matthews, who is in impressive form as she deputises for injured vice-captain Taylor Hinds.
“I really enjoy playing as a wing-back, so then I can attempt the attacks more than as a normal full-back. I like attacking also,” said Koivisto.
“Jas has been doing really, really well on the left side. The cross she delivered for my first goal [on Sunday] was amazing, it was an easy job for me to finish from a cross like that.”