After cementing their place at the summit of the WSL standings with a resounding victory that moved them 11 points clear last time around, Manchester City will be looking to maintain their position in the quest for the title when they travel to Arsenal.
However, the Gunners will be stern opposition and a challenging test for Andreé Jeglertz's side. They sit fourth in the standings, just outside of the Champions League places, but after winning the Champions Cup will be looking to crack into the top three.
Gaining the three points could be integral for City as they push towards the trophy, so we take a look at the factors that may decide this match in their favour.
Can City Repeat Attacking Dominance?
Last weekend, Chelsea travelled to the Etihad Stadium with the best defensive record in the WSL. 90 minutes later, their position at the top of that table was shattered, as Manchester City ran out comfortable 5-1 winners.
That left Arsenal, who were not in action that weekend as they lifted the Champions Cup, as the beneficiary, meaning for the second weekend in a row City take on the team who have conceded the least goals in the league.
Although they are the leagues top scorers themselves, having scored a whopping 41 goals across their 14 games, with the Gunners having only shipped 10 league goals this season, Manchester City have a tough ask to breach the defence and win the game.
They have already proven themselves capable of scoring past the strongest sides in the division, but will need to show it again if they are to take another step towards the title.
Will Kerolin repeat goalscoring heroics?
One player who might be able to help her side is Kerolin Nicoli, who has added another dimension to **Manchester City**’s attack since her return from injury.
Goals in each of her last four appearances suggest she has finally found her feet in Manchester. Notably, she tore defending champions Chelsea apart in their last encounter, netting a hat-trick in the Citizens’ 5-1 win.
Beyond her goals, Kerolin has also formed a key relationship with her attacking partners, as dynamic dribbling creates space that allows Vivienne Miedema and top scorer Bunny Shaw, who has already notched 14 league goals this season, to thrive.
City may have a healthy lead at the top of the table, but with Arsenal poised to be a tricky test, Kerolin may have to be the difference maker yet again.
Midfield Battle to be Critical
If Manchester City are to emerge with all three points, then they will have to be victorious in a tough midfield battle.
Both sides enjoy controlling the ball, with Fotmob data indicating that they are two of the top three sides in terms of average possession at the start of the weekend.
City enjoy an embarrassment of riches in that department, and they will hope to dominate proceedings. Yui Hasegawa and Laura Blindkilde will likely start after forming a formidable partnership across the season, with Grace Clinton and January signing Sam Coffey hoping to make an impact from the bench.
However, they will have to be at their best to contend with **Kim Little**and Mariona Caldentey, who will look to deploy attackers Alessia Russo, Beth Mead and Olivia Smith at every opportunity.
If they can nullify their counterparts, then that will set the platform for City to earn another vital victory.