Manchester City Poised to Seize Opportunity in Women's Super League Title Race

Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor is urging his team to capitalize on a golden opportunity in the Women's Super League title race. With City set to play two matches before current leaders Chelsea take the pitch again, Taylor wants his side to build a six-point lead at the top of the table by the start of May.

City are currently level on points with Chelsea but have a game in hand. They will face West Ham United on Sunday before taking on Manchester United later in the month. Chelsea, meanwhile, are out of league action this weekend as they travel to Barcelona for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.

"If we had looked at this situation at the beginning of the season, it would be a fantastic position for us," Taylor said. "It's a great opportunity for us to continue our strong performance and take the title race all the way."

City have been in scintillating form, riding a 12-match winning streak in the WSL. Forwards Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp have led the charge, consistently finding the back of the net. However, Taylor knows the upcoming matches will pose tough tests, especially against a West Ham side that upset City 2-0 back in October.

Why this matters: The WSL title race is coming down to the wire, with Manchester City and Chelsea neck-and-neck in the final stretch. The outcome could have major implications not only for this season, but for the balance of power in English women's football for years to come.

City will have their first-choice goalkeeper Khiara Keating available after she recovered from a recent knee issue. The only player ruled out is defender Kerstin Casparij, who is serving a one-match suspension. Third-placed Arsenal, who are also in the title hunt, host Leicester City this weekend in another crucial fixture.

Taylor emphasized that his squad is well-positioned for the title run-in thanks to their depth and high training levels. "We have good options and training levels across the squad, which is helping us in the title race," he noted. With everything to play for, Manchester City are determined to seize their moment and claim the WSL crown.

Key Takeaways

• Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor wants his team to capitalize on title race opportunity.
• City level on points with leaders Chelsea, have a game in hand before Chelsea's next match.
• City on a 12-match winning streak, led by forwards Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp.
• City have full squad available, except for suspended defender Kerstin Casparij.
• Outcome of City-Chelsea title race could impact English women's football for years to come.