Glasgow City manager Leanne Ross insists the SWPL title race is shaping up for another nail-biting conclusion as her side prepare for their top-of-the-table clash with champions Celtic this Friday night.
Two points separate Glasgow City, Celtic, Rangers and Hibernian in the top four, and Ross admits the drama is far from over as the split approaches.
“It’s going to be very tight yet again. As we know when it comes to the split you’re playing more often, with less recovery in-between which can often determine personnel for matches. I think there’s going to be a lot of twists and turns, but it should be an exciting run-in for the supporters.”
Just eight goals separate Ross’ side and Celtic joint on 50 points, and she understands goal difference could yet prove a factor in the title’s destination again.
“If you look at the teams at the top of the table, their points and goals between them, there’s not a lot to give. I don’t think anyone is going to go unbeaten between now and the end of the season. Every game is going to be very competitive, and ultimately it’ll be small margins to see who comes out with the trophy in their hands.”
There’s no denying Friday night’s fixture is a pivotal evening in the title race, but Ross isn’t looking ahead to post-split life just yet.
“We’re not looking beyond the games after that because we don’t know what situation we’re going to be in. Things change from game to game, we just need to give 100% focus on Celtic this Friday.”
Unlike the champions, Glasgow City do have the added incentive of a potential league and cup double to contend with, having defeated this week's opponents in the Scottish Cup Fourth Round two weeks ago.
While the dramatic 3-2 victory against their city rivals has provided a confidence boost to her side, the Glasgow City gaffer downplayed the psychological aspect of the result.
“In previous games where we maybe fell a little short, I never thought we were out of the game. I don’t think it was a psychological thing that was the problem, just small details within games, or sometimes even just a bit of luck in front of goal. It’s never been a psychological thing for us, but it certainly was a boost to put in a good performance last time out.”
It’s set to be a busy schedule for Glasgow City as they seek a first double since 2019, but heading into their Valentine's Day battle, Ross isn’t worried about fighting on two fronts.
“As players, they just want to play as much as possible. As long as there’s something to fight for I’ve got players in my dressing room who are willing to go the hard yard to get the three points, or to get through to the next round of the cup. They just want to play games, go as far as they can and lift trophies.”
