Match preview: Man City v United Women

HOW TO FOLLOW

Supporters across the globe can watch the encounter live on ManUtd.com, MUTV and in the United App, with coverage beginning at 18:55 GMT.

The fixture will be also be streamed on The FA Player, while you will also be able to find matchday coverage, interviews, updates and more across our official platforms.

TICKET AND TRAVEL INFO

We received an allocation of 398 tickets for the encounter at the Joie Stadium, with a limited number still available here.

You can also purchase coach travel from Old Trafford by visiting this link.

WHAT’S AT STAKE

This derby has extra significance, as mentioned above, with both teams in contention to qualify for the knockout stages of the Conti Cup.

United currently top Group B with nine points and a 100-per-cent record after three matches and know that a win or a draw (regardless of the outcome on penalties) will see us finish at the summit and automatically advance to the last eight. City, two points behind, are also aware that a victory in 90 minutes will secure them qualification.

Defeat for the Reds will not necessarily mean elimination, as the two second-placed teams with the most points-per-game across the competition will also move on to the quarter-finals. United cannot finish outside the top-two positions in our group, as we are four points ahead of third-placed Leicester, before their remaining tie against Everton. 

Tottenham (Group D) and Sunderland (Group A) currently occupy the best runners-up spots, on seven points from three games (2.33 PPG), ahead of their group finales this midweek.

TEAM NEWS

Marc Skinner may provide a further update on United’s recent absentees when he holds his pre-match press conference later today (Tuesday).

Forward Melvine Malard missed Sunday’s trip to Chelsea as a precaution, after picking up a niggle in training on Friday. Aoife Mannion is working her way back from a prolonged injury spell, while fellow defender Evie Rabjohn has been sidelined since making her club debut in November’s 7-0 win over Everton.

Gabby George, Hinata Miyazawa, Jess Simpson and Emma Watson are long-term absentees for the Reds.

For City, defender Kerstin Casparij and winger Lauren Hemp were both forced off with injuries in City’s 5-1 win over Liverpool on Sunday, although head coach Gareth Taylor suggested afterwards there was not much cause for concern regarding either.

“She’s absolutely fine,” he said of Hemp, who collided with Liverpool goalkeeper Teagan Micah. “It didn't look great, but she was fine and wanted to go back and play some more but I didn’t want to take the risk.” On Casparij, who took a knock in an earlier challenge, he added: “[She] is okay, she might be a sore one for a couple of days, but there’s no structural damage. It’s just a bit of a gash and some swelling.”

Australia international Alanna Kennedy could make a comeback after missing both of the Blues’ games since the season restart. Before Liverpool’s visit, Taylor said the defender was “really close” to returning, although she was not involved in the squad at the weekend.