Birmingham relishing Man City challenge on WSL return

What the report says

Birmingham City head coach Amy Merricks says her newly promoted side are ready to “toe-to-toe” with Women’s Super League champions Manchester City as they begin their return to the top flight. Birmingham won the WSL 2 title on the final day of last season, ending four years in the second tier, and now open the 2026-27 campaign away at the Joie Stadium on Sunday.

The BBC reports that Birmingham face a difficult first fixture, having lost 6-0 in the same meeting in 2022 when relegation was confirmed. Merricks said her team want to compete rather than simply survive, stressing that their attacking identity remains central even against stronger opposition. Last season Birmingham averaged more than two goals per game in WSL 2, and Merricks said the squad would keep focusing on its own strengths.

Manchester City head coach Andree Jeglertz said his players must maintain a hungry mentality as they begin a title defence for the first time in 10 years. He also noted that Birmingham caused City problems in an FA Cup tie last season, when City won 1-0 away. City will be without Vivianne Miedema, who is sidelined with a knee injury, while Rebecca Knaak also misses out. Jade Rose and Grace Clinton have returned to training, and summer signing Niamh Charles remains a doubt.