Powell: We have to go back to basics

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Head coach looking for a reaction against Manchester United.

Bruce Talbot

2021-04-04T05:00:00Z

Albion's four match winning run came to an end with a 5-0 defeat to Everton last weekend.

Head coach Hope Powell says her players must get ‘back to basics’ if they are to upset Manchester United in today’s WSL fixture at the People’s Pension Stadium (2pm).

After four straight wins lifted them to sixth in the table, Albion were brought back down to earth with a 5-0 home defeat against Everton.

Third-placed United won 3-0 when the teams met last October, and Casey Stoney’s side are vying for a Champions League place.

But having beaten leaders Chelsea and drawn with second-placed Manchester City, Powell knows her players are capable of upsetting the top teams if they get their game plan right.

“We have to go back to basics, make ourselves hard to beat by concentrating for 90-plus minutes,” she said.

“That means keeping possession of the ball better and for longer periods in the match and, when we get our chances, being clinical.

“Throughout the WSL this season teams have shown they are capable of beating any other team in the league. We’re not quite there yet in terms of doing that on a consistent basis but in every game we strive to be better.

“I’m looking for a reaction from the players to the Everton result. We had that great run of four wins but you’re only as good as your last game. The players don’t deliberately make a mistake or a poor decision but they know they can do a lot better. We’ve bounced back before and we can do it again.”

Midfielder Dani Bowman had successful knee surgery earlier this week and Powell said she will begin her rehab soon.