Blues Take on new girls at Joie stadium
Manchester City Women welcome WSL newcomers London City Lionesses to the Joie Stadium on Sunday lunchtime as they look to continue their fine form in the WSL. City could potentially go second in the table with victory over the Lionesses, depending on scores elsewhere as new boss Andree Jeglertz aims to displace Chelsea as WSL champions.
It won’t be an easy match against the Lionesses, who have impressed in the WSL. Despite losing both their opening games to Arsenal and Manchester United, Jocelyn Prêcheur’s side then recorded an impressive 2-1 win at Everton last weekend. City will need to guard against complacency and will look to continue the form that took them to a 5-1 win at Spurs last weekend.
The Lionesses boast three ex-City players in their side – striker Nikita Parris, centre-back Alanna Kennedy and full-back Poppy Pattinson, who spent a years with the Blues in 2017/18. They also added former Arsenal and Lyon striker Danielle van de Donk to their ranks over the summer. The Dutch striker spent six years with the Gunners, winning the WSL, and FA and League Cups.
Team News
City could bring back striker Bunny Shaw, who was rested for the midweek visit of Everton in the League Cup, but Lauren Hemp faces a couple of weeks on the sidelines after going off injured against Spurs last weekend. Jeglertz may also recall Khiara Keating and Kirsten Casparij to the first team after sitting out Wednesday victory.
The Lionesses may recall Isobel Goodwin, who scored a brace at Everton last weekend, back to the first team, and she may be partnered by Parris, who scored against Crystal Palace in their League Cup tie in midweek. Record signing Grace Geyoro may also be in line for a place in the starting line-up after an impressive performance against Palace.
Prediction
Some may go into this match thinking it will be a goal fest for the Blues but that would seriously undermine the Lionesses. They have shown already they can cause problems and, if the Blues want to come out on top, they will need to remember just how dangerous they Lionesses can be on the counter.
That said, I do think City will win, but they will, of course, concede the obligatory goal.
City 3-1 Lionesses
Category: General Sports
