Joel on Red alert for Liverpool test | OneFootball

United are gearing up for their second test against Women's Super League (WSL) opposition in the competition, having lost out to Everton Women on penalties earlier this season, and welcome their Merseyside rivals this weekend.

And Joel - a summer signing from London City Lionesses - is ready to see how the Magpies shape up against a side from a division they're aspiring to reach.

"We were handed a tough group," Joel admitted. "But playing against WSL opposition will only help us in the long run.

"It's exciting to play teams from the WSL as it's always a great test and match-up for ourselves. These games should allow us to see where we need to improve if we wish to reach that level.

"I certainly want to be a part of these games and play against players who've always been at the top level and enjoyed successful careers."

Although born in North Finchley, London, and boasting five caps for Wales, Joel has previously admitted to feeling like an adopted Geordie.

That feeling will have only grown stronger last Sunday when she made her St. James' Park debut in a new inverted right-back role against Southampton Women, but she admitted she's already wanting more from herself.

"I've played in a couple of positions this season so it's been nice to get consistent minutes, no matter where I'm playing on the pitch," she said.

"Every player wants to be on the pitch and playing football and I'm no different, so I'm just happy to be out there helping the team in any capacity.

"I'm striving to grow and improve each week and in every training session, but hopefully I can start to contribute more in terms of goals and assists.

"The inverted right-back role was a bit different for us and I'd only had a couple of training sessions to get used to it, but I thought it went well, and things like that will only help me to develop as a player."

The Lasses were pitted in Group A of the Women's League Cup alongside Everton Women, Liverpool Women and Manchester United Women, who are all WSL sides.

However, with two games left to play in the group, United are still in with a chance of progressing into the knockout stages for the first time.

"It would be an amazing achievement if we were to progress out of the group, but of course, our main focus will always be on the league, although we still want to win every game," she added.

"(Liverpool) have got some really good players and are capable of playing some good football when in possession, but are also able to be aggressive against the opposition.

"It'll be a good test for us because they've been doing well in the WSL, sitting sixth at the moment, and I'm sure they'll give us a good game."

Tickets for the game - which kicks off at 2pm GMT - are on sale here.