‘It’s really important’ – Fowler on Manchester derby | OneFootball

Mary Fowler has reiterated the importance of the Manchester derby to both herself and the entire City squad.

Gareth Taylor’s side lock horns with Marc Skinner’s this afternoon at the Etihad in the Barclays Women’s Super in what is the first heavyweight bout between the teams this season.

Last term, the Blues won each of the three meetings with our cross-city rivals in all competitions – including a memorable 3-1 triumph at the over 53,000-seater stadium thanks to goals from Jess Park (two) and Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw.

However, only one point separates City in second and Manchester United in fourth heading into the latest clash.

WATCH: Watch: City memorable moments against Manchester United

It all points towards an exciting afternoon of football – and Australian forward Fowler says City’s meticulous hard work will give us the best chance of collecting three precious points.

“[The Manchester derby is] really important,” she declared.

“We’re well positioned in the table at the moment so regardless of our squad with injuries, it’s a really important game for us.

“We just have to prepare really well and try to get some points from the game.”

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Today’s fixture at the Etihad represents our women’s team’s second outing here this season following our fantastic 4-0 win over Spurs in November.

In total, Taylor’s side will play at the home of the Blues three times this term with our WSL fixture against Chelsea in March also being hosted here.

And Fowler says more matches at the Etihad shows the rapid and impressive growth of the women’s game.

WATCH: Coombs and Casparij reflect on 23/24 derby wins

She added: “It’s nice to play more and more there [the Etihad].

“It shows the growth we’ve had and the support we’re getting from the fans to want to show out for us.

“It’s a cool opportunity and hopefully we can keep getting some good results there.”

City v Manchester United app coverage

Starting 90 minutes before kick-off, our Matchday Centre will provide detailed text updates, stats and analysis carrying on throughout the game and after the final whistle.

There will also be a special Matchday Live broadcast with Steve Howey and Toni Duggan joining Natalie Pike in the studio to offer their expert insight across the encounter.

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Those with push notifications turned on will be alerted to all the key moments, with Nick Walsh and Karen Bardsley also guiding you through the action from the press box with live audio commentary.

A detailed match report plus reaction from Gareth Taylor and a player will be made available soon after the full-time whistle.

Highlights from the game and a CITY+ full-match replay can then be accessed from 12:00 (UK) on Monday.