In the top flight of women's football in England, occasions do not get much bigger than the Manchester derby. In a clash that has a reputation for bringing goals in abundance, rivalry, flair and the promise of entertainment, this weekend's game will undoubtedly be no different.
After an impressive start to the season, Manchester City are unbeaten in their last 7 league outings, sitting in pole position in the WSL table and will be looking to retain that top spot heading into the international break.
The Sky Blues will have revenge on their minds heading into the clash, as this fixture last season saw them lose 4-2, whilst the reverse fixture resulted in a draw, seeing United pip them to the post for the final Champion's League spot in the table.
Manchester United suffered a blow last weekend, losing 1-0 to Aston Villa, ending their unbeaten run in all competitions this season.
The Reds grabbed the opportunity to redeem themselves with both hands though, with a statement midweek win against Paris Saint Germain at Old Trafford, demonstrating that they, by no means, intend to making losing a habit this season.
Manchester City
Andrée Jeglertz confirmed that Kerolin, Mary Fowler and Lily Murphy will remain unavailable this weekend after periods of absence. Captain **Alex Greenwood**picked up an injury at the end of October, and was ruled out for a "number of weeks" and will also not feature.
In positive news for City, Lauren Hemp and former Manchester United player Grace Clinton, who are coming back from injury, both featured in the side's 2-1 win against Everton last weekend for 30 and 10 minutes respectively, and both will likely be available again this weekend.
Manchester United
In a huge blow for United, goalkeeper **Phallon Tullis-Joyce**was unavailable in United's Champion's League game on Wednesday after picking up an injury against Aston Villa last weekend, and may not be available for the derby. Should the US international be unavailable this weekend, Safia Middleton-Patel is likely to make her first appearance in the WSL.
United boss Marc Skinner confirmed that despite progressing well, Millie Turner remains unavailable after picking up a knee injury against London City Lionesses earlier in the campaign and is not expected to return until the new year. Celin Bizet Dønnum is also unlikely to be in the squad for the clash against City, as the winger is out for an undisclosed period of time with a back injury.
Predicted lineups
Manchester City
Yamashita; Casparij, Rose, Knaak, Ouahabi; Hasegawa, Blinkilde-Brown; Beney, Miedema, Fujino; Shaw
Manchester United
Middleton-Patel; Riviere, Le Tissier, Janssen, Sandberg; Miyazawa, Zigiotti, Toone; Park, Terland, Galton
Key Players
Manchester City - Bunny Shaw
Having missed both league fixtures last season against United through injury, undoubtedly, Bunny Shaw will be looking to get her goal tally against her local rivals back up and running. Shaw made scoring against Skinner's side a habit in the season before last, bagging a goal in both league derbies.
Clinical in front of goal and being a player with incredible strength and hold up play ability, an in form Shaw is a force to be reckoned with in any game, but especially in a high pressure game such as the Manchester derby, where the stakes are high.
The Jamaican striker has been in fine form in recent weeks, having bagged five goals this season in the league so far, putting her in joint pole position for the Golden Boot award with Melvine Malard heading towards the mid point of the season. With one foot in front of league holders Chelsea in the title race, Shaw being clinical this weekend is essential for Jeglertz's side's charge for the title.
Manchester United - Jayde Riviere
The key to success for United this season seems to be fine form fullbacks, and Jayde Riviere is exactly that. Following on from a sensational performance midweek against PSG which earned her the player of the match award, the Canadian right back will be full of confidence heading into the derby this weekend.
City have talent in abundance on their flanks, so Riviere's 1v1 defending will be essential to keeping their wingers at bay. But it is not just her defensive capabilities which make the fullback an integral part to this Manchester United side. With a goal and an assist under her belt in the league and enviable passing and crossing ability, Riviere is a brilliant attacking outlet for the side, and has been heavily involved in the build up of many of the Red Devils' goals this season.
Riviere will undoubtedly be looking to carry her positive form this season into tomorrow against the side's biggest rivals and bring victory to the red side of Manchester. A fine performance from the Canadian may be a decisive factor in who wins the bragging rights from the occasion.
Match Details
The game will take place at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester.
Kick off is at 13:30 GMT.
The game will be streamed on BBC One.