Manchester United's dreams of a third place finish in the Women's Super League could be reignited still as they face last placed Bristol City at Twerton Park.

Casey Stoney's side sit 3 points behind Arsenal despite a season plagued with injuries to crucial players such as Tobin Heath, Leah Galton and Alessia Russo.

Fresh from a 4-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur and with both Galton and Russo back in the squad, Stoney is confident in her teams ability to suppress Bristol City in key areas.

Speaking to the Manchester United website, she stated: “We identified last time where we could exploit them and we'll do the same this weekend.”

Bristol City's spirited bottom of the table scrap rages on. The Robins have no wins in their previous 5 matches, but with just 1 point between each of the five struggling teams, coach Matt Beard knows it is still all to play for.

In a passionate interview with Bristol City's website, Beard proclaimed: "We'll fight until the last kick of the ball. We’re fighting for our lives to stay in the division. It’s going to be an intriguing battle and I’m sure the girls will be up for it.”

The game will be played at Twerton Park on Sunday with a kick-off time of 14:00PM (GMT)

  • Team News

The return of both Leah Galton and Alessia Russo to match fitness will likely impact Casey Stoney's starting XI on Sunday. The pair are gradually being phased back in to the squad but will bolster the attacking options that United have dearly missed over the past few months.

Matt Beard has been firmly drilling his side ahead of Sunday's game. He will have a full compliment of players to choose from, including recent goal scorers Faye Bryson and Ella Mastrantonio. Both of whom found the back of the net against last weeks crucial draw with relegation rivals Aston Villa.

  • Predicted Line-Ups

Bristol City: Baggaley (GK), Evans, Allen, Purfield, Bissell, Mastrantonio, Wilson, Palmer, Humphrey, Wellings, Salmon.

Manchester United: Earps (GK), M. Turner, A. Turner, Thorisdottir, Batlle, Toone, Zelem, Galton, Groenen, Sigsworth, Press.

  • Ones To Watch

Ona Batlle continues to dazzle for Manchester United on the wing. Her speed and battling have saved the team's skin on a number of occasions despite still managing to fly under the radar.

With a pass accuracy of 79.3% and seventeen starts in as many games, Batlle's sturdiness will help United maintain their seasoned composure against Bristol City.

Jemma Purfield of Bristol City is another player who is able to show up in big games. The full-back creates opportunities for her team mates to unleash the power of Ebony Salmon.

Elsewhere, Ella Mastrantonio will be hoping to add more to her goal tally, having only opened her account with a crucial goal against Aston Villa.

  • Previous Meetings

The reverse fixture saw Manchester United chalk up an impressive 6-1 win, with goals coming from Leah Galton, Tobin Heath, Millie Turner and Jess Sigsworth.

Bristol City are an improved side and Casey Stoney will not be underestimating her teams opponents.

Again, speaking to the Manchester United website: "I think they are an improved side. They got a lot more threat going forward now that Matt Beard's involved, he's changed the system slightly. But we still know that we got players capable of hurting them."

  • How To Watch

Bristol City take on Manchester United at Twerton Park on Sunday afternoon at 2pm GMT and is available to watch via the FA Player.

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