Everton Ladies face Arsenal Ladies in the FA Women's Community Shield at Macclesfield Town on Thursday.
Arsenal won 3-0 the last time the two sides met in the Community Shield, although Everton have since beaten the Gunners in February's League Cup final.
Everton striker Toni Duggan, 17, believes a win at the Moss Rose could set down a marker for the season.
"Last season proved we're really closing the gap and hopefully we [can] finally overhaul them," she said.
The two sides meet as Arsenal won the Women's Premier League National Division and Everton won the Women's Premier League Cup final.
It's a really big match and it will mean so much more than just a pre-season friendly; there's a big trophy at stake
Everton striker Toni Duggan
Duggan added the Blues are taking the traditional curtain-opener to the football season seriously and will face Arsenal with the belief they can win.
"We know Arsenal have lost a couple of big players this summer and if we beat them in the Community Shield, who knows what will happen when the League campaign begins?
"It's a really big match and it will mean so much more than just a pre-season friendly; there's a big trophy at stake."
Tickets for the game on 7 August (1945 BST) are �5 for adults and �2.50 for children and concessions.
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