Manchester City are preparing to face Serie A side Fiorentina in the Round of 16 Champions League clash.
The hosts go into this game following the 5-1 victory over Göteburg in the Round of 32. Fiorentina progressed following their 3-2 win against Slavia Praha across two legs.
Antonio Cicotta’s side have faced an English side for the past three years in a row in this competition.
Gareth Taylor’s side are currently on an excellent run of league form. The hosts enter the clash on a five game winning run with 20 goals scored during this time. Fiorentina have won two out of their three most recent league games however the Italian side were recently knocked out of the Italian Women’s cup by fellow Serie A side Internazionale.
Fiorentina have historically been better when playing away whilst the hosts have been exceptional at home in recent league fixtures.
Ones to watch
Steph Houghton has been a pivotal part of the Manchester City defence this season. The No.6 has been one of the most consistent players in the league and has featured in the majority of games.
Taylor’s team has had an impressive defensive record, highlighted by them only conceding six goals in the same time as scoring 29. The Man City skipper will be vital dealing with the Fiorentina forwards.
Embed from Getty ImagesEx City midfielder Tessel Middag has been in fine form for the visitors since the new year. The Dutch international will be making her return to the City Football Academy and facing some of her old teammates. Middag previously played for the hosts from 2016-2018.
Middag will be able to score her first goal at the CFA if the No.14 can find the back of the net.
Team news
Man City have no new injury concerns ahead of the clash. Gareth Taylor announced that Canadian international Janine Beckie is available for selection. The Sky blues do however have several existing injuries. Demi Stokes is not expected to be available in the near future, whilst Gemma Bonner has an ankle injury.
Stephanie Breitner and Martina Piemonte have both recently returned for Fiorentina after suffering with COVID. Lana Clelland was substituted due to a shoulder injury although the forward has travelled to Manchester with the rest of the teama.
The match will kick off at 4:45pm and broadcast on BT Sport 2 and CITY+ in the UK.
