The Women's FA Cup fourth round kicks off in style on Saturday with the Manchester derby, as Manchester United welcome Manchester City to Leigh Sports Village.
The fixture will be Citizens' boss Nick Cushing's third final game in charge before his imminent move to New York City.
Cushing has lifted the FA Cup twice during his time at City, and putting the club a step closer to Wembley with victory over their Manchester rivals would be the perfect parting gift.
You won't want to miss this one, #MUWomen fans!
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) 22 January 2020
However, booking a place in the fifth round will be no mean feat. United came out on top the last time these two sides met, and the Red Devils have been a stern test for the WSL's elite this season.
Yet disappointing league defeats to West Ham and Bristol City means Casey Stoney's side are now battling it out to be crowned "best of the rest" in the WSL. United will be eyeing a cup run and some silverware to ensure their impressive second season does not peter out.
Where to Watch on TV
| When Is Kick Off? | Saturday 25 January |
| What Time Is Kick Off? | 12:45 (GMT) |
| Where Is It Played? | Leigh Sports Village |
| TV Channel/Live Stream? | BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer |
| Referee? | TBC |
Team News
Manchester United will be without the suspended Ella Toone, who was sent off just 16 minutes after coming on during United's recent WSL win over Tottenham.
Abbie McManus is expected to line up in the heart of the United defence. The England international spent nine years at Man City before switching allegiances to the red side of Manchester this summer.
Aoife Mannion remains a long-term injury absentee for City after sustaining an ACL injury in October. Forward Janine Beckie has been deputising at right back in Mannion's absence, however the Canadian is away on international duty and will miss City's next three games.
+3, job done!
— Janine Beckie (@janinebeckie) January 19, 2020
Massive week coming up for the girls, #CMONCITY !
Now off to Texas to join @CanadaSoccerEN for our Olympic Qualifying campaign!
Be back soon, hold it down @ManCity ! pic.twitter.com/RQjXpvaDeQ
In preparation for losing Beckie, Nick Cushing experimented with attacking midfielder Georgia Stanway at right back during City's last two outings. The England international could well fill in at full back again on Saturday.
Both sides are in Continental Cup semi final action on Wednesday, before facing important WSL clashes the following weekend, so may rotate their squads with half an eye on their upcoming busy week of fixtures.
Predicted Line Ups
| Man Utd | Earps; Smith, M. Turner, McManus, A. Turner; Zelem, Ladd, Galton, Groenen, Sigsworth; James. |
| Man City | Roebuck; Stokes, Bonner, Houghton, Stanway; Walsh, Weir, Scott, Hemp; White, Bremer. |
Head to Head Record
With Man Utd only forming in 2018, this is just the third meeting between the two sides. City emerged victorious in the first ever Manchester derby; a Caroline Weir wonder goal settling proceedings at the Etihad Stadium on the opening day of the season.
United had revenge the following month in the group stages of the Continental Cup, winning 2-0 at Leigh Sports Village thanks to goals from Katie Zelem and Jess Sigsworth, before Keira Walsh was sent off for the visitors.
Recent Form
United's 2020 got off to a disappointing start, after they were stunned at home against the league's bottom club Bristol City. However, Casey Stoney's side looked back to their best at the weekend, comfortably sweeping Tottenham aside. Katie Zelem scored twice in the 3-0 victory.
Meanwhile, since City's costly defeat to title rivals Chelsea, Nick Cushing's side have won five on the bounce. Cushing's imminent departure does not appear to have dampened City's spirits either, with the Citizens scoring nine and conceding one since his announcement.
Here's how the pair have fared in their last five.
| Man Utd | Man City |
| Man Utd 3-0 Tottenham (19/01) | Birmingham 0-2 Man City (19/01) |
| Man Utd 2-1 Brighton (15/01) | Sheffield United 0-4 Man City (15/01) |
| Man Utd 0-1 Bristol City (05/01) | Man City 3-1 Everton (11/01) |
| Birmingham 1-3 Man Utd (11/12) | Tottenham 1-4 Man City (05/01) |
| Man Utd 3-1 Everton (08/12) | Man City 5-0 Brighton (15/12) |
Prediction
Saturday's fixture serves up an intriguing match up. Both sides are particularly dangerous down out wide, with Leah Galton and Lauren Hemp two of the WSL's standout performers this season.
Saturday promises to be a tight, exciting affair, but City's firepower should edge them through.
Score Prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City
Source: 90min
