Leaders Man City aim to put more pressure on Super League title rivals Chelsea

LONDON: Leaders Manchester City will bid to put more pressure on defending Women’s Super League champions Chelsea when they take on Bristol City on Sunday (today).

City can move six points clear of their rivals – albeit having played two games more – with Chelsea again in Champions League action. The title could well come down to goal difference and Gareth Taylor’s side have the advantage there, following a 5-0 victory over West Ham last weekend.

It came at a cost, though, with leading scorer Khadija Shaw sidelined for the rest of the season by a foot injury she sustained in the first half.

Positive news arrived this week in the form of a new three-year deal for England star Lauren Hemp, and Taylor said on mancity.com: “Absolutely amazing, really crucial for us to proceed and make those steps forward that we want to.

“She’s still a young player, has so much to do, but really enjoyed the journey so far. She someone who’s really coachable. I’m excited by what the future can bring for her and the team.”

City will look to further boost their goal difference against bottom side Bristol City, who have lost their last six matches. Third-placed Arsenal travel to Everton, while Manchester United will hope to take another step towards securing fourth place when they take on Leicester.

United needed a last-gasp equalised to claim a point against Tottenham in a preview of the FA Cup final last weekend, and boss Marc Skinner said on manutd.com: “I want us to be ruthless in both boxes. We have to get back to that.

“We’ve created against Tottenham lots and lots of chances to win the game and I don’t think Tottenham had a shot, second half.” Spurs face Brighton next up and boss Robert Vilahamn has no doubt his players will keep their focus on the league ahead of next month’s cup final.

“If you look at Manchester United away last week, we had a lot of questions about the final and then we stepped into that game and gave a really good performance,” he said. “So the players have shown they can handle both and that’s being a professional.” Sunday’s final match sees Aston Villa in seventh take on 11th-placed West Ham.