Match preview: Man City v United Women

This will be third meeting between the two sides this season, with City claiming victories in the previous two clashes.

The Reds have built up momentum in recent weeks after securing a place in the Adobe Women's FA Cup semi-finals, as well as returning to winning ways in the league against Bristol City.

Ahead of Saturday's 12:30 GMT kick-off, here are the key details, including how to watch the action, a guide to the opposition and more.

HOW TO FOLLOW THE ACTION

Fans in the UK and Ireland can watch the Manchester derby on BBC One and the BBC iPlayer, with build-up commencing at 12:15 GMT before the game starts 15 minutes later. 

We will provide live MUTV radio commentary on ManUtd.com and in the United App, where you can also find regular updates from the Etihad, followed by a match report and exclusive post-match reaction.

Ticket information 

You can still purchase tickets for what's set to be a thrilling encounter on Saturday.

Click this link to secure your seat and support United on the road. 

TEAM NEWS

Leah Galton has been ruled out of Saturday's clash - the winger has missed our last two matches with a thigh strain.

Emma Watson, Gabby George and Hinata Miyazawa have stepped up their comeback from injury in recent weeks, while Jess Simpson could return to training on grass in the coming weeks. 

For the home side, top scorer Khadija Shaw returned to action last weekend against Brighton after being forced off during City's recent FA Cup defeat to Tottenham. 

City midfielder Jill Roord remains a long-term absentee after injuring her ACL earlier this year.

THE OPPOSITION

City bounced back from defeat to Chelsea in the WSL and their FA Cup exit with a dominant 4-1 league victory at Brighton last time out.

Lauren Hemp, Mary Fowler, Shaw and Laura Coombs were all on the scoresheet at Broadfield Stadium.

The Blues are currently second in the WSL, only trailing league leaders Chelsea on goal difference with just six WSL matches remaining in 2023/24. 

Shaw is likely to be one of the biggest threats to United's backline, as the Jamaican has scored more goals (16) than anyone else in the top flight this campaign. 

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Although City hold the upper hand in games between the two sides this season, United have proved they are more than capable of performing and claiming a positive result in this fixture.

In 2022/23, Skinner's Reds played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at the Etihad after Galton finished off a flowing move involving Ella Toone, before Coombs grabbed a second-half equaliser. 

At Leigh Sports Village last season, there was plenty of drama in the derby as United secured a 2-1 victory. Hayley Ladd's stunning left-footed strike nestled into the top corner after two minutes, City were then reduced to 10 players after goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck was sent off for a flying challenge on Nikita Parris shortly before-half time.

Filippa Angeldahl brought the visitors level as the game entered the final 20 minutes, however, Lucia Garcia netted a last-minute winner from close range, following Hannah Blundell's whipped cross from the left. 

WHO ELSE IS PLAYING?

Liverpool, who are currently level on points with United in the league (trailing by goal difference), travel to Goodison Park, to face Everton in the Merseyside derby.

West Ham host top-of-the-table Chelsea, who are on a five-match winning streak in all competitions, including Wednesday's emphatic 3-0 victory against Ajax in the UEFA Women's Champions League.

Arsenal's visit to Villa Park rounds off matchday 17 in the WSL, with the Gunners looking to bounce back from their 3-1 defeat to Chelsea last weekend.

SATURDAY 23 MARCH

Man City v UNITED (12:30 GMT)

SUNDAY 24 MARCH

Everton v Liverpool (13:00 GMT)
Bristol City v Tottenham (14:00 GMT)
Leicester City v Brighton & Hove Albion (15:00 GMT)
West Ham v Chelsea (16:30 GMT)
Aston Villa v Arsenal (18:45 GMT)