Man City expect retribution from 'aggressive' Manchester United in Women's FA Cup derby

"I quite like playing the same team in quick succession, it gives you a really good yardstick of where we’re at. Hopefully, we can put in a similar performance because we were top class in the home game."

That is the verdict of Manchester City Women manager Gareth Taylor, who is preparing the Blues for a second meeting with rivals Manchester United in as many weeks.

City were victorious in the Women's Super League two weeks ago thanks to another Caroline Weir wonder strike that kept their hopes of beating United to a Champions League place alive. Reds boss Marc Skinner promised more aggression in individual battles for this cup clash that represents an early chance to put that defeat right.

"We're disappointed in not taking one-versus-ones more aggressively and being on the front foot," Skinner said after the defeat at City, promising more of that aggression in this weekend's clash in the FA Cup.

"They didn't want it more, they won a few more second balls. They were helped a bit by referees by a bit of unfair bias but that's not a reflection on the result."

After an international break, the teams now reconvene and renew acquaintances, this time at United's home Leigh Sports Village.

“I actually quite like these moments because you get to spend some quality individual time with players,” Skinner said. “Sometimes it is a little bit of a blessing to have an international week where you can really focus on certain players and their growth.”

“It’s been great, and the players' energy has been great [too]”.

That positive approach from United won't surprise Taylor, who says this fourth-round meeting would be better suited to the latter stages of the competition.

"We know the stakes are high in these games. If we’re honest, this