"Keep Manchester Blue" hopes Steph Houghton before Man United test
By Hidayah Ali
Steph Houghton and Manchester City prepare for a massive weekend as the all-important Manchester derby arrives for the third time this season.
A fixture that holds such high significance to both clubs comes with an added goal for both teams besides the pride of defeating their biggest rivals: Man City fights for the Women's Super League title against Chelsea, and United aims for a Champions League spot.
All the players involved know exactly how decisive this match will be, and for Man City, a winning result can be the only outcome.
The last two derby results of the season ended in City's favour: 3-1 in the WSL and 2-1 in the Conti Cup.
Steph Houghton spoke with the Manchester City official website and reflected on the last meeting between the two sides, "It was an amazing occasion. I want the girls to remember that feeling because it's pretty special to go there and play the way we did."
"To win convincingly, even with ten players, I felt we were in control. When you play here, it's such a special feeling because we're in front of our fans."
"The girls are really experienced in these occasions now, so I want them to have a bit of emotion. It's important when you put on this shirt and have the opportunity to represent the club that we leave everything out there.
"I always gauge how we're feeling on matchdays; you can sense it. Sometimes, I don't have to say too much because we're all motivating ourselves to go and win. This is going to be a massive derby, and it's where it is in the season as well. The intention is always the same: to keep Manchester blue."
Man City Square's prediction
Man City 3-1 Man United
Saturday, the 23rd, at 12:30 (UK).