Manchester United host Manchester City on Sunday, 25 October, in a [Women’s Super League](https://womenfootball.blog/womens-super-league-table-standings/) derby that pits the league leaders against a United side beginning to find their rhythm under Eva Olid.
Our Manchester United vs Manchester City preview looks at both teams’ recent performances, the latest injury news, predicted starting line-ups and the tactical battles that could decide the contest. Kick-off is at 18:00 GMT at the Progress With Unity Stadium in Leigh.
Manchester United vs Manchester City kicks off at 18:00 GMT on Sunday, 25 October. UK viewers can watch live on Sky Sports Football and Sky One, with streaming available through NOW, Sky Go and Sky Go Extra.
Manchester United will provide worldwide radio commentary through MUTV, ManUtd.com and the United App.
For some the game will be available on the [Barclays WSL Youtube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@BarclaysWSL).
United endured a difficult opening to the campaign but have now won six consecutive matches across all competitions. Olid’s side beat Charlton Athletic 3-1 in their latest WSL fixture before recording a 5-3 victory away to Liverpool in Wednesday’s Subway Players Cup encounter.
The manager made seven changes for that cup match, underlining the importance of squad depth during a demanding schedule. United sit fifth in the WSL with 10 points from six matches, having scored eight goals and conceded 10.
Olid believes her players should embrace the opportunity to face the strongest opposition. She highlighted the confidence within her squad and insisted their ambition must remain focused on winning.
A derby victory would provide further evidence of United’s progress, although they face their toughest domestic test since their recent resurgence.
Manchester City arrive in Leigh with six wins from six league matches, putting them top of the table on 18 points. Andrée Jeglertz’s side have scored 19 goals, the highest total in the division, while conceding eight.
Their latest WSL victory came against Brighton, with Bunny Shaw scoring twice and Niamh Charles adding another in a 3-2 win. Shaw has already scored seven league goals and continues to spearhead City’s attack. Lauren Hemp’s creativity and movement offer another major threat.
Jeglertz expects a competitive encounter, acknowledging United’s improvement under Olid and warning that his players must perform at their best.
Manchester United have no new injury concerns following their midweek victory, according to Olid. Celin Bizet Dønnum, Jayde Riviere and Emma Watson remain unavailable.
Lea Schüller appeared uncomfortable after scoring against Liverpool but continued playing before being substituted after approximately an hour. Olid’s subsequent update did not indicate a new injury.
The cup victory also highlighted United’s attacking alternatives, with Mared Griffiths, Schüller and Rebeca Bernal among those contributing goals during the competition.
Manchester City manager Andrée Jeglertz has confirmed that Sam Coffey is not available this weekend.
**Manchester United (4-2-3-1)**: Tullis-Joyce; Sandberg, Le Tissier, Janssen, Lundkvist; Miyazawa, Medina; Park, Toone, Terland; Zigiotti.
**Manchester City (4-2-3-1)**: Yamashita; Casparij, Rose, Greenwood, Charles; Hasegawa, Clinton; Fujino, Shaw, Hemp; Blindkilde.
Manchester City dominated last season’s league derbies, winning both encounters 3-0. The most recent meeting at Old Trafford featured two goals from Vivianne Miedema and another from Kerstin Casparij.
Across their first 22 competitive meetings, City recorded 11 victories, United five and six finished level. Sunday’s tactical battle could revolve around City’s possession against United’s ability to attack quickly after regaining the ball.
Shaw’s movement inside the penalty area will test United’s defensive organisation, particularly given their 10 goals conceded.
United’s attacking midfielders must also find opportunities behind City’s advancing players. Brighton scored twice against City last weekend, demonstrating that the leaders can be vulnerable despite their impressive results.
United’s recent improvement should make this a more competitive derby than last season’s meetings. However, City’s attacking quality, greater control of possession and perfect league record give them the advantage.
United have enough attacking options to score, but stopping Shaw and Hemp for 90 minutes presents a considerable challenge.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City.