Manchester City host neighbours and Women’s Super League rivals Manchester United in their final league game of 2022 at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon. The top-four clash is just the latest fixture to be held at a Premier League stadium and with over 40,000 fans expected, the biggest WSL derby yet could be another fantastic spectacle for women's football.
The hosts lost their first two league games of the season against Chelsea and Aston Villa but are unbeaten ever since and will be searching for their 10th consecutive win in all competitions. United have only lost one WSL game this year which was also against current champions Chelsea, but have shown their strength with big wins at the Emirates against Arsenal in the league before they thrashed Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
As a result, United sit second in the league table with City currently fourth and a home win would see the Blues match United and Arsenal on 21 points as the league starts its Christmas break.
The 2016 WSL champions are unbeaten against Manchester United in the league, with three wins and two draws but Gareth Taylor said: “We will try to play the game and not the occasion.”
United manager Marc Skinner said: “A derby, it becomes a different game. Regardless of form, regardless of history and results. It will be tough.”
When asked if the Manchester City players are extra geared up for the derby hosted at a major stadium, midfielder Laura Coombs said: “No motivation needed really against United.
“These are weeks that you really look forward to as a player and the atmosphere home or away against United is always a feisty one. It always makes the start of the game really good.
“I think it's what we all really look forward to. As soon as this game was at the Etihad, and against United as well it's the perfect game for it.
“We’ve got nine wins on the bounce so it’s as good a time as ever to play them.”
The not-to-be-missed Manchester derby match-up at the Etihad stadium game kicks off at 12.30 but is also available to watch via the BBC.
