Birmingham City head coach Amy Merricks believes her team are ready to go “toe-to-toe” with Manchester City as they make their return to the Women’s Super League.
The Blues secured the WSL 2 championship on the final day of last season, earning promotion back to the top division after four years in the second tier. Their reward is a demanding opening fixture against the reigning WSL champions.
Birmingham will make the trip to Manchester on Sunday for a 14:30 BST kick-off at the Joie Stadium. The venue brings back difficult memories for the club, having suffered a 6-0 defeat there in May 2022, a result that confirmed their relegation from the top flight.
Manchester City were particularly strong at home last season, winning all 11 of their WSL matches on their own ground. However, Merricks is embracing the challenge rather than allowing the strength of the opposition to affect her team’s approach.
Speaking ahead of the game, the Birmingham boss made it clear that her players are returning to the WSL with ambitions of competing rather than simply surviving.
“I think it’s a great time to play Man City. We know it’s going to be a challenge but we are well and truly up for it. We are here to compete, not just make up the numbers,” Merricks said.
She added that Birmingham would show Manchester City the respect they deserve, but would remain focused on their own qualities and game plan.
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Birmingham Refuse to Abandon Attacking Style
One of Birmingham’s biggest strengths during their promotion campaign was their attacking approach. They averaged 2.09 goals per game last season, establishing a clear identity built around creating chances and playing progressive football.
Merricks has no intention of abandoning those principles simply because the opposition will be stronger in the WSL.
“There is a core part of our identity that is non-negotiable for us as Blues and myself as a head coach,” she explained.
The Birmingham manager wants her players to continue using their attacking qualities while adapting to the greater demands of top-flight football.
“We are a progressive team, we will find ways to create and score. We are really clear on what our strengths are and what we need to maximise.”
Merricks accepts that competing in the WSL will present a significantly tougher challenge, but believes Birmingham must make the most of what they already do well.
“This is the best league in the world, it is going to be tough and a challenge, but what we can’t do is lose our strengths. We have to amplify those and put ourselves in the best position possible.”
The Blues boss also pointed to Birmingham’s performances in last season’s cup competitions as evidence that her players should not approach Sunday’s match with fear.
“We have to focus on what we can control and that’s how we can compete. We don’t fear anyone. I think we showed that in the cup competitions last year.”
Manchester City Know Birmingham Can Cause Problems
Manchester City manager Andree Jeglertz is well aware of the challenge Birmingham can present.
The two sides met in the Women’s FA Cup quarter-finals just five months ago, when City eventually secured a narrow 1-0 victory away from home.
Jeglertz remembers that encounter as a difficult tactical battle and expects Birmingham to provide another stern test in their WSL return.
“We had a tough game against them last year. They were tactically very good and destroyed all the space on the field, defending low and their transitioning was very good,” he said.
The City manager also highlighted the attacking threats Birmingham possess and stressed the importance of his players remaining alert throughout the contest.
“There are threats in their team we need to give attention to.”
Jeglertz also expects Birmingham to arrive with plenty of enthusiasm for their first league match back in the top flight.
“Playing against a team that is new in the league is always a challenge because I know they are coming in with a lot of energy in the first game.”
City Begin Their Title Defence
Manchester City enter the new campaign with the added pressure of defending their WSL crown.
It is their first league title defence in a decade, but Jeglertz insists winning the championship last season will not change the mentality inside the squad.
Rather than becoming focused on protecting their achievement, City want to approach the new campaign with the same hunger that helped them win the title.
“We are still chasing, chasing to win again. If you start protecting things, I don’t think that will help us,” Jeglertz said.
The City boss wants his team to remain aggressive in their pursuit of further success across domestic competitions.
“We need to be in a mood of hunger, trying to win again, to compete in different tournaments.”
Jeglertz also warned that any drop in standards could quickly be punished by their WSL rivals.
“If we drop a little bit in performance or attitude, teams will go past us.”
Injury Updates Ahead of Sunday’s Fixture
Manchester City will have to manage several injury concerns before Birmingham’s visit.
Forward Vivianne Miedema is expected to remain unavailable until at least late autumn as she continues her recovery from a knee injury.
Defender Rebecca Knaak is also set to miss the opening fixture because of a foot problem.
There is more positive news surrounding defender Jade Rose and midfielder Grace Clinton, who have both returned to training.
Summer signing Niamh Charles, however, remains uncertain for the match, with Jeglertz describing her availability as “a big question mark”.
A Major Test for Birmingham’s WSL Return
Birmingham City’s promotion has set up an immediate test against one of the strongest teams in the division. The Blues know the history of their previous visit to the Joie Stadium, but Merricks is determined that her side will approach this occasion with confidence rather than fear.
Manchester City, meanwhile, will be looking to begin their title defence with three points and maintain the high standards that brought them domestic success last season.
With Birmingham determined to preserve their attacking identity and City eager to start another title campaign strongly, Sunday’s meeting promises to be a fascinating early test of the promoted side’s ability to compete at the highest level.
