One only has to look at Chelsea, Sunday's opponents, for evidence of that difficult balancing act. Blues boss Sonia Bompastor is blessed with the biggest and best squad not only in England but perhaps Europe, one stacked with world-class talent. But handling a group like that is not as easy as one might think, not to maintain cohesion, each player's rhythm and ensure individuals are rested enough, all while still getting good performances and results.
That's been evident on a few occasions in Chelsea's season, which has certainly been underwhelming from a WSL perspective so far. This time last year, it was the Blues who were nine points clear at the top of the WSL, having won 12 and drawn just one of their first 13 games in the competition. No one expected Bompastor's side to repeat such an extraordinary campaign, but to be nine points off the pace just 12 months on will be extremely disappointing.
Despite a clear drop in level, particularly in attack, Chelsea still remain a serious threat to City this weekend, particularly having already beaten them twice this season and in all of their last four encounters. But even if they can repeat the trick in Manchester, the title will remain City's to lose. No team has ever built up such an unassailable lead at the top of the WSL and not got their hands on the trophy at the season's end. Right now, regardless of what happens on Sunday, City don't look like they will crumble and buck that trend, either.