PREVIEW: Manchester City v Blackburn Rovers | OneFootball

FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup holders Manchester City will be hoping to begin their defence of the trophy in a positive manner when they face second tier side Blackburn Rovers at The Academy Stadium this evening.

The Cityzens defeated Chelsea 3-1 in last season’s final at Kingsmeadow. Gareth Taylor’s side must start this season’s competition in the group stage given the fact that they were eliminated in Round 1 of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Manchester City boss Taylor has hinted that he will make a number of changes to his starting XI for this evening’s game. The likes of Sandy MacIver, Demi Stokes, Steph Houghton, Julie Blakstad, Filippa Angeldahl, Vicky Losada and Hayley Raso will all be hoping to start the match while Leila Ouahabi and Mary Fowler could also return to the line-up. In terms of injuries, Manchester City will again be without Ruby Mace and Alanna Kennedy.

Blackburn Rovers arrive at The Academy Stadium having taken four points from their last two Barclays Women’s Championship matches. Manager Gemma Donnelly remains without the services of long term absentee Emma Doyle while tough-tackling defender Kayleigh McDonald was a notable absentee from the side which defeated Coventry United 3-2 at the weekend.

The FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup fixture between Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers kicks-off at 7.30pm. Tickets remain on-sale and can be purchased by clicking here.