Molly Pike expects a “physical challenge” when Everton travel to Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night (7.30pm) but is confident the Blues can achieve a victory that could propel them into fourth position in the WSL table.
Everton were due to face Liverpool at Goodison Park last Sunday but the game was postponed due to adverse weather conditions caused by Storm Ciara.
Pike, who joined Everton from Chelsea last summer, says the fifth-placed Toffees have quickly re-adjusted their focus to Wednesday's clash at Spurs.
Willie Kirk’s team head into the game just one point behind fourth-placed Manchester United, with Casey Stoney’s side facing a testing clash at Brighton & Hove Albion on the same evening.
While Pike says Everton will face a tough examination against Tottenham at The Hive Stadium, she insists the Blues boast the ability and character to achieve a positive result.
“It was very disappointing that the derby was called off, obviously, because the build up was huge and there were loads of fans coming,” Pike told evertonfc.com.
“But we move on. We had a great performance against Spurs last time we played them [a 3-1 home win on 24 November], and we can take that into the game tomorrow.
“We also know that beating them will make them determined to beat us at home, though, so there is always that extra pressure.
“It will be a physical challenge. They are a very physical team and they work very hard, so it will be a test. But it’s one we are looking forward to.”
Everton face another away trip after the Spurs clash, with the Toffees set to face Bristol City in a fifth-round FA Cup tie at Ashton Gate on Monday (7.30pm).
Kirk’s team will then return to WSL action on Sunday 23 February when they host Manchester United (12.30pm) in the first game at the Blues’ new purpose-built Walton Hall Park ground.
Pike says the move to the new stadium represents a significant step for Everton.
“Hopefully it will increase our fanbase because it is so close to Goodison Park,” she said.
“We hope we will get more fans as that will help drive the team on.
“I think it will increase the popularity towards Everton Women and help us to move forward as a club.”
