Matt Beard lifts lid on "game-changing" move and issues Liverpool injury update ahead of visit to Arsenal

Matt Beard believes Liverpool Women's move to the AXA Melwood Training Centre is "game-changing" and could be the key to helping his side realise their Women's Super League (WSL) ambitions - despite major injury concerns ahead of their WSL opener.

The Reds, who previously trained at Tranmere Rovers' Solar Campus in Wallasey, moved into the iconic West Derby base earlier this month. The site, which the club repurchased from housing developer Torus in June, has been restored to ensure it is among the best facilities in the women's top flight.

And Beard admits finally having a state of the art training ground could be central to helping his side climb the WSL table. "When you look at the history here and what it means to the football club, myself, my staff and the players have the chance to create a lot of history here.

"For us that gives us motivation because looking at the people that have been through these doors and trained on these pitches just inspires us to try and emulate what they did in the past. Melwood is game changing."

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After a lengthy pre-season, Liverpool will return to WSL action on Sunday when they travel to the Emirates Stadium to take on Arsenal. More than 50,000 tickets have been sold for the clash but, while the Gunners are among the strongest sides in the WSL, Beard is confident his players are well prepared for their trip to the capital.

"For us we have ambitions to try and break into that top five," he said. "I think long term we want to break into that top three. That’s where we want to be. We want to improve on last season’s finish.

"We feel