12 February 2020

Liverpool manager Vicky Jepson says switch to the Deva Stadium for Arsenal clash will attract new fans

Liverpool manager Vicky Jepson has said the switch from Prenton Park to Deva Stadium for their match against Arsenal tomorrow night will attract new fans.

The Reds have been plagued with issues at their home ground this season, leading to the club postponing games due to the state of the pitch.

Erin Cuthbert caked in mud during Chelsea's match against Liverpool at Prenton Park (PA Images)

The issues were so bad that Chelsea manager Emma Hayes labelled it the worst pitch in the league, before apologising for her comments.

The difficulties with the pitch mean Jepson's side will now play Arsenal at Chesterfield's home ground.

Speaking about the change, Jepson said: “The Chester FC ground staff have worked incredibly hard to maintain such a high standard of playing surface at this time of year and, as a club, they have been extremely accommodating to us.

“Hopefully staging the game here will also give some of our fans from around the Chester area the chance to come and see us in action and we hope there will be a good crowd getting behind the Red Women on Thursday night.”

Liverpool are in a relegation battle with Bristol City, who the Reds are above in the table by virtue of goal difference.

And Jepson has said she is under no illusions how tough getting a result out of the game will be.

“We are under no illusions as to how tough our task is on Thursday," she added. "Arsenal are one of the best teams in Europe and will be ready and raring to go to take three points out of us.

“At the same time, we are in a good headspace right now after two victories and we’ll be looking to continue that form on.”

Liverpool vs Arsenal kicks off tomorrow night at 7pm and can be streamed live on the FA Player app.

A match report will also be brought to you on the NewsChain website as soon as the final whistle has blown.

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