Man City boss Andree Jeglertz: Derby matches ‘live their own lives’

Manchester City boss Andree Jeglertz says derby matches “live their own lives” as he prepares to take his Women’s Super League leaders to Old Trafford.

City make the short trip to face neighbours Manchester United in a blockbuster top-of-the-table clash on Saturday.

The blue half of the city are currently lording it at the summit, but United are their closest challengers, lying eight points behind.

“These games live their own lives,” Jeglertz said at his pre-match press conference.

“Because a derby in this city is always going to get 100 per cent energised players from both teams at the beginning. It almost doesn’t matter what tempo you start as your opponent will be ready.

“These games aren’t determined by 15, 20 minutes. Definitely the longer the game goes, it can be a challenge but it’s how the game turns out and what happens.

“Definitely in the beginning both teams will be 100 per cent focused and energised, they really want to get three points in this game.”

The derby earlier this season ended in a 3-0 win for City thanks to goals Rebecca Knaak, Khadija Shaw and Lauren Hemp.

United are looking to bounce back from a 3-2 first-leg defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions League in midweek.

“City are top of the league for a reason but we will take that challenge on,” boss Marc Skinner told the club website.

“Once you accept that challenge, you can rise to a new level.”

Derby day continues on Saturday evening when Arsenal host north London rivals Tottenham.

The Gunners are currently fourth – 11 points behind City but with two games in hand – and have a spring in their step after a 3-1 win over Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

“We love to be in this rhythm of playing games. It’s a rhythm that we like, the short turnarounds,” said boss Renee Slegers.

“We get to work towards the next game. We have a big squad. We have players ready to go, so we love to be in this rhythm.”

Striker Stina Blackstenius, who scored the first goal against Chelsea, will make her 150th appearance for the Gunners.

Four points from their last two matches have moved Liverpool up to 10th ahead of their derby trip to Everton.

“It’s a good game for us,” Reds boss Gareth Taylor said at a press conference.

“We feel like we are in a better place and I’m sure Everton will feel that as well. We really want to finish the season on a high.”