Gareth Taylor knows Manchester City face tough challenge against Liverpool

Manchester City boss Gareth Taylor says he sees Sunday’s Women’s Super League clash with Liverpool at Anfield as being equally difficult as their Champions League meeting with Barcelona.

City make the trip to Merseyside four days on from defeating reigning European champions Barca 2-0 at the Joie Stadium.

Matt Beard’s Liverpool finished fourth in the WSL last term, their second campaign back in the top flight, before opening this season by taking five points from their first three games.

When asked if the Reds should be talked about as genuine title contenders this term, Taylor – whose side have seven points – told a press conference: “I don’t see any reason why not.

“We played a top level opponent, one of the best in the world, the other night – this game at the weekend is equally difficult for various reasons.”

Taylor also gave an update on Naomi Layzell, the 20-year-old defender who scored one goal and set up another against Barca before sustaining an injury late on.

He said: “We don’t think it’s anything that is going to keep her out for too long, but we just need a little bit longer for the medical team to assess her properly.”

Manchester United – unbeaten like City and Liverpool, but having played only two games, winning both – face Tottenham at Leigh Sports Village.

United midfielder Grace Clinton flourished on a season-long loan at Spurs last term, helping them reach the FA Cup final at Wembley – which she had to sit out, ineligible, as they were beaten 4-0 by her parent club.

The north London outfit wanted to make it a permanent deal but United did not, and the 21-year-old England international has subsequently scored in each of the Red Devils’ two league matches so far.

Tottenham head coach Robert Vilahamn said of “amazing person and amazing player” Clinton: “We had a good relationship last season and she’s taken last season into this season.

“Honestly, we were pushing to go really hard but when a club doesn’t want to sell, we don’t have any power. So, no matter what we want to pay for her, when the club doesn’t want to sell it’s useless.

“The club and the board were ready to push the button and buy her, but they were not willing to sell and we need to respect that. And I totally get it. She is a great player. I wouldn’t sell her if I was Manchester United either.”

United boss Marc Skinner said: “Even though she scored two goals, off the ball I’ve been so impressed with her intensity, her intelligence.

“She’s still young, she’s still growing back into our team. But I think even since she’s been back Grace has seen the intensity I asked for without the ball.”

Sunday’s other games see Aston Villa play Leicester at Villa Park, Everton entertain West Ham and promoted Crystal Palace host Brighton.

Palace claimed a maiden WSL victory last weekend when they won 2-0 at Leicester, and boss Laura Kaminski said: “It was a great feeling. The players thoroughly deserved it. They relished the moment and fingers crossed that feeling becomes addictive.”