Manchester United Women will look to bounce back from derby disappointment when they face Everton Ladies in Sunday's Women's Super League meeting at Leigh Sports Village.
Meanwhile, the Toffees will be determined to clinch maximum points after failing to win any of their last four competitive matches.
Match preview
© Reuters
Man United's dwindling hopes of achieving a top-three finish were all but ended in last Saturday's Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium.
A Jess Park brace and a Bunny Shaw strike gave Man City a three-goal cushion, before the Red Devils got on the scoresheet in the 73rd minute.
However, a Kerstin Casparij own goal proved to be a mere consolation in a 3-1 defeat which saw Man United drop down to fifth position.
While Champions League qualification will be out of their reach, Man United will still be determined to finish above rivals Liverpool, who are one point better off in fourth spot.
Marc Skinner's side will be hopeful about their chances of returning to winning ways this weekend, having won each of their last four competitive home games.
© Reuters
After achieving a top-half finish last season, Everton have been unable to match that success during the current campaign.
Having mustered 15 points from 17 matches, the Toffees are languishing in 10th place with five games left to play.
Despite experiencing an underwhelming campaign, Brian Sorensen's side are set to extend their top-flight stay into a consecutive season, with 10 points separating them from basement side Bristol City.
They did manage to halt a three-game losing run in last Sunday's Merseyside derby, holding their local rivals Liverpool to a goalless draw at Goodison Park.
The Toffees will now turn their focus to their upcoming trip to Leigh Sports Village, where they will attempt to beat Man United for the first time since December 2020 after failing to win any of their last 10 competitive meetings.
- W
- L
- D
- W
- W
- L
- W
- W
- L
- L
- L
- D
Team News
© Reuters
Skinner has confirmed that full-back Jayde Riviere will miss out after being forced off in the second half of the Manchester derby with an injury issue.
Riviere's absence could present Republic of Ireland international Aoife Mannion with the chance to make her first WSL start of an injury-hit season.
The Man United boss also revealed that Hinata Miyazawa and Leah Galton have been passed fit and will feature on the bench at Leigh Sports Village.
As for the Toffees, they will have to assess defender Megan Finnigan, who is a doubt for Sunday's contest due to an ankle issue.
Sara Holmgaard is set to return to the squad following a spell on the sidelines, while it remains to be seen whether goalkeeper Emily Ramsey will be passed fit for the weekend.
Elise Stenevik is expected to return to the starting lineup after she missed the Merseyside derby through suspension.
Manchester United Women possible starting lineup:
Earps; Mannion, Le Tissier, Turner, Blundell; Zelem, Naalsund; Geyse, Toone, Garcia; Parris
Everton Ladies possible starting lineup:
Brosnan; Payne, Vanhaevermaet, Stenevik, Hope; Galli, Bennison, Kuhl, Wheeler, Bissell; Snoeijs
We say: Manchester United Women 2-1 Everton Ladies
Man United may have experienced disappointment in the recent Manchester derby, but they have put together a four-game winning run on home turf, and we think that they will make full use of home advantage to claim a narrow win on Sunday.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
