.png)
C
It's almost time, London City fans!
The Lionesses return to Princes Park on Sunday for the visit of Barclays Women's Championship rivals Sheffield United.
It promises to be a thrilling encounter as Jonathan Morgan takes charge of his second match with the Blades and London City returns to the pitch for the first time since the international break.
"We’ve spent a lot of time focussing on ourselves because the breaks within the season are the perfect time to do it," explained interim head coach Nikita Runnacles.
"Naturally, we lost six players to international duty, so we focused on smaller sessions and individualised work to get the team ready for when the internationals returned. Now, we’re fully focused on Sheffield United at the weekend."
London City prevailed in the previous meeting between the two sides, winning 2-0 in front of an 11,000-strong crowd at Bramall Lane in September.
However, the Lionesses know they must be at their best to secure a season sweep over the Blades.
"They have a very dangerous front line," said vice-captain Amy Rodgers. "Georgia Walters and Courtney Sweetman-Kirk score goals, so we have to be prepared for that.
"Sheffield United are a great team when they show up and we’re expecting a good battle. We’re expecting a tough game, but we can hopefully come away with the three points."
Sunday's match is a must-win affair for both sides, as competition for places intensifies at both ends of the table. London City sit second in the Barclays Women's Championship, just three points behind league-leading Bristol City. Sheffield United, meanwhile, are only five points above the drop zone.
Form Guide:
London City Lionesses | Record: 9-3-2 | Position: 2nd
Birmingham City 0-1 London City
Bristol City 3-1 London City
London City 3-1 Sunderland A.F.C.
Tottenham Hotspur 5-0 London City (Vitality Women's FA Cup)
Crystal Palace 0-5 London City
Sheffield United | Record: 3-2-9 | Position: 11th
Crystal Palace 2-1 Sheffield United
Sheffield United 1-0 Charlton Athletic
Durham 1-0 Sheffield United
Manchester City 7-0 Sheffield United (Vitality Women's FA Cup)
Sheffield United 1-1 Blackburn Rovers
Statistical Leaders:
London City Lionesses:
Goals: Sarah Ewens (eight)
Assists: Shanade Hopcroft (five)
Sheffield United
Goals: Mia Enderby and Courtney Sweetman-Kirk (three)
Assists: Rhema Lord-Mears (two)
London City Injury Update:
Defender Carly Girasoli remains on the injury list, but is nearing a return from the lower-body injury she suffered versus Crystal Palace in January.
Midfielder Charlotte Fleming also remains on the injury list, as her ACL recovery continues.
Σχόλια