We return to Barclays Women’s Super League action on Sunday (2pm UK) with Manchester City the visitors to Brisbane Road.
Gareth Taylor’s side have picked up six points in four games since the turn of the year, with wins coming against Aston Villa and Liverpool, as they currently sit fourth in the table on 28 points.
Ahead of our encounter this weekend in the capital, we caught up with Polly Starkie to find out more about the Citizens…
How would you reflect on their recent run of form following a mixed start to the calendar year in the WSL?
Polly: “City haven’t been dealt the easiest cards to start 2025, having to face Man United and Arsenal twice within three weeks. It was unlikely that the side would cruise through all four fixtures and, ultimately, it was the league which was slightly sacrificed for the sake of the League Cup.
“A last-minute win against Arsenal and a resilient come back against United after a humbling derby three days prior were both examples of a team who were not willing to get stuck in a rut.
“Conceding has been a slight issue for Gareth Taylor’s side and while the goals have been tallying up, the clean sheets have been much less frequent. A confident 4-0 thumping of Liverpool will have certainly given the side confidence ahead of the international break.”
Who have been the standout players so far this season?
Polly: “The emerging dynamic duo this season has been Bunny Shaw and Mary Fowler. It is no surprise that Shaw’s form continues, but her partnership with Fowler has been exceptional, putting the pair at the top of the table for most goal involvements in the 2024/25 season so far.
“Dutch midfielder, Jill Roord, continues to be an asset for the club with four goals and three assists in the league so far. Despite Lauren Hemp’s absence, City’s attack has stepped up and have netted 25 goals across all competitions since the start of 2025.
"Elsewhere, Rebecca Knaak has taken well to City’s style of play since joining in the January transfer window. The 28-year-old signed from Rosengård in the Damallsvenskan but has adapted to the WSL quickly, providing gritty performances.
“Her junior, 20-year-old Academy graduate, Gracie Prior is another example of a newer prospect for City. Remarkably, she has more appearances in the UEFA Women's Champions League than in the WSL but secured her first goal for the senior side against Liverpool ahead of the international break."
How would you look back at our previous encounter with City and what can we expect?
Polly: “Last time the sides met, in November, Bunny Shaw confidently displayed her unbreakable form and ability up front. Bagging a hat-trick, the first two goals coming within 15 minutes, Shaw demonstrated her plethora of scoring options, always being in the right place at the right time. Her football vision; exception.
“The 4-0 defeat for Spurs was perhaps not entirely reflective of their performance with Becky Spencer putting in some determined saves, Lauren Hemp’s attempt at goal immediately springs to mind.
“Back in November, the context for the sides was quite different. It was a point in the season where City were unbeaten and were coming off the back of beating Barcelona in the first let of the UWCL. There was a lot of confidence.
“However, the Citizens are now without the experience of Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood who have been sidelined for a significant period of time. Their form in the league has been less fruitful and the pressure to scramble for points has certainly increased.”
What are the targets for City heading into the final stretch of the season?
Polly: “It will be a busy final stretch for City with all four trophies still possible. Coming up in March, City have Aston Villa in the quarterfinal of the FA Cup. Then they will face Chelsea in the quarterfinal of the UWCL across two legs, winning would pit them against Wolfsburg or defending champions, Barcelona.
“After seeing of local rivals Man United and then holders Arsenal in the semi-final, City will now feature in the newly-named the Subway Cup Final on the 15th March against Chelsea. While all of these concurrent competitions take place, the WSL will also continue where the side will be aiming at least for a top three finish.
“March in particular will test the resilience and physical capabilities of an already depleted squad. As it stands, Gareth Taylor’s side sit on 28 points, just two behind Arsenal who currently hold the third-place spot. However, the top spot is still 12 points away and with Chelsea unbeaten and looking to retain their title, it will take the most epic of endings to change trajectory."