Sunday 27 July 2014 12:11, UK
Fara Williams says Liverpool Ladies head into Sunday's visit to Manchester City knowing three points are vital if they are to fulfil their aim of qualifying for next season's Women's Champions League.
Third-placed Liverpool are brimming with confidence for the FA WSL clash after a run of four consecutive victories in all competitions, during which they have scored 14 goals.
They face a resurgent City side who have recorded seven wins in their last nine games and Williams believes Liverpool face a difficult game against Nick Cushing's side.
"I think our focus this season remains very much getting back into the top two and experiencing the Champions League again," Williams told Sky Sports.
"We started the season unbeaten although we probably picked up too many draws but I think we've started off the second half of the season really well.
"We've never lacked confidence and the morale within our team is fantastic. Last year that helped us win the league and this year I'm sure that will push us on to get into the top two this year.
"But going into the midway break I think I realised that this season the league is going to be won by the team that works the hardest.
"City are full-time and certainly a big part of their game is their work-rate. We'll have to match them on Sunday for work-rate and then hope our quality shines through."
Williams hopes Liverpool can reap the benefits of their thorough approach to each match as well as some tactical adjustments made during the second half of the season.
"We take every game the same really, especially in the league," the England midfielder said.
"We know we need to win almost every game to be in the mix for the league at the end of the season so our preparation has been no different to the way we prepared for Bristol last weekend which was a great win for us.
"Earlier in the season we had a few injuries which were a bit disappointing so we've had to change personnel to suit formations.
"We trialled a few different formations in the cup competitions and that has helped us as a squad and as individuals to perform better."
Sunday’s other FA WSL matches see second-placed Chelsea host Bristol Academy while Arsenal entertain Notts County.
