(Football news) When Manchester United Women play local rivals Manchester City Women on Sunday, they will want to extend the title chase to the final game of the season. The Citizens will start the derby match in fourth place in the Women’s Super League, while the hosts are currently in second place.

The Red Devils will attempt to use their sadness as motivation for the next two games of the 2022–23 season after Sam Kerr’s second-half goal consigned them to a 1-0 defeat at Wembley. Man United’s chances of finishing the season with a trophy are once again being thwarted by WSL leaders Chelsea, with the second-place team trailing the West London club by two points. 

While three points against Man City would elevate them to the top of the table if Emma Hayes’ team drops points against the Gunners, the Red Devils will need to win if Chelsea defeats Arsenal in Sunday’s midday kickoff. The hosts will be hoping that the home crowd at Leigh Sports Village can motivate them to a derby triumph after winning their last four home league games by a combined score of 13-1.

Manchester City’s chances of making the Champions League are now dangling by a thread after their most recent game, a 2-1 away loss to Liverpool. Natasha Dowie gave Liverpool the lead before Lauren Hemp tied the score, but a Missy Bo Kearns goal early in the second half was enough to give Liverpool a 2-1 victory, dropping Man City to fourth place.

Gareth Taylor’s team is three points behind Arsenal, who are in third place and have a better goal differential than Man City, with two games remaining. Man City will aim for maximum points in their final two games against Man United and Everton despite the fact that their Champions League fate may already be decided. They want to give themselves the best chance to capitalise on any mistakes made by Arsenal. Man City has won all three of its recent competitive Manchester derbies, and they triumphed 4-1 in the FA Cup on their most recent visit to Leigh Sports Village in February 2022.

Super League form

Manchester United Women    L W W W W W 

Manchester City Women        W W W W W L

Squad Updates

Even though Maria Thorisdottir will miss the remainder of the season, Manchester United have an almost fully fit roster for the derby on Sunday. Skinner, the manager of Man United, could stick with the starting lineup from the FA Cup final despite finishing on the losing end last weekend.

The Red Devils’ offensive line will continue to be led by Alessia Russo, an England international who will be trying to increase her league-leading tally of 10 goals this year. Considering that Sandy McIver and Laia Aleixandri were both declared out for the remainder of the season in April, the Citizens are unable to use them.

Alanna Kennedy on Monday agreed to a two-year deal with Man City through June 2025, but she will also miss the final two matches of the season. Mary Fowler’s availability is also in question because she was absent for the May 7 loss to Liverpool.

Manchester United Women probable starting Xl:

Earps, Battle, Turner, Le Tissier, Blundell, Ladd, Zelem, Parris, Toone, Galton; Russo

Manchester City Women probable starting Xl:

Roebuck, Casparij, Houghton, Greenwood, Morgan; Hasegawa, Angeldal, Kelly, Coombs, Hemp, Shaw

Predictions

Man United would have been disappointed with the outcome of the FA Cup final, but we believe they will bounce back by defeating a Man City team that has lost its previous two away league games to Liverpool and Arsenal.

Score predictions: Manchester United 3-0 Manchester City

Also read: Marcus Rashford doubtful for Manchester United’s trip to Bournemouth due to illness