Manchester United manager Marc Skinner says his side will be ready for the "intimidating" surroundings of an away derby when his team face Manchester City.
United head to City for a lunchtime WSL blockbuster on Sunday, with a crowd of around 40,000 expected at the Etihad Stadium. The Red Devils finished five points short of their neighbours last term but go into the first derby of the season second in the table, with City in fourth.
Skinner's side are getting used to playing in front of large crowds, having won 3-2 against Arsenal at the Emirates last month before thrashing Aston Villa 5-0 in front of a record crowd for a United women's home game. And the former Birmingham boss is predicting an intense atmosphere for the high stakes clash.
"We have a sole focus on Manchester City," Skinner told MUTV. "Of course it is a derby, but I want us to show the growth we have made as a team.
"We have to go there to an intimidating atmosphere and have to use that to our advantage. It'll be great to play there and perform in front of our fans that are there. We need to use the energy the crowd puts in for us, rather than against us.
"It's a tough fixture but I want to see us ready to fight in this game. We just want to put a Manchester United performance on, we know what that is now and have to put it into practice.
"We don't build the game up more internally, but it is a derby and we have to show the mental focus needed to win a game like this. It is hard to balance the emotion and feeling for this game and use it the right way.
"I want to see our growth in this game and give a performance the fans can be proud of."
Meanwhile, Skinner's opposite number Gareth Taylor wants his side to maximise home advantage, despite moving away from their normal home ground, the Academy Stadium. City started their season slowly with an early European exit combined with losing their first two in the WSL.
However, they have since put together an excellent run of form with nine straight wins in all competitions. A big win on Sunday could even see them leapfrog United in the table.
"There is naturally a bit of hype around this game so my job has been to keep things simple," said Taylor. "But equally we are really looking forward to the game.
"The support numbers (tickets sold) look great and I think it will be a great experience for all those involved. So we'll just concentrate on what we can effect and play the game, rather than the occasion.
"We need to enjoy the experience regardless of the way the game goes, but we are in good form and good spirits. It's great to play at the main stadium, even though we really enjoy playing at the Academy Stadium.
"It is a different experience but we'll still be looking to use home advantage.
"We know that the opposition potential threats can always change, we always train for the 'what ifs' but the girls are in a really good place at the moment."
Taylor also has the added boost of expecting both Lauren Hemp and Vicky Losada to be available for selection on derby day. "Lauren’s fine," he added. "She’s in a good place.
"You saw when she came on, she was confident and contributed within a couple of minutes with an assist for Mary. Vicky trained fully yesterday and looked really good, so we’ll see.
"Outside of that, everyone is available, really healthy selection choice for us to have and good numbers. It always helps and it gives us good options for the weekend."
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