Hoping to bounce back from last weekend’s shock FA Cup exit, Manchester City’s ladies return to their league campaign on Sunday with a highly anticipated local derby against Curzon Ashton.

The Blues will be hoping to maintain their 100% league record and extend their lead at the top with a win over their local rivals at the Regional Athletics Arena (2pm).

Though Curzon have started their own campaign poorly and are yet to win a league game this season, the visitors will be boosted by their own Cup exploits at the weekend.

A comprehensive 4-1 over Middlesbrough proved that Curzon are still capable of the form which saw them finish fifth last season – only a place below City.

That result could give Curzon the incentive they need to give their league form a much needed boost and the hosts will have to be wary of their capable opponents. 

Having not played a league game since late November, the Blues will undoubtedly be eager to return to their so-far successful league campaign and will look to win all three points in order to get 2011 up and running.

City manager Leigh Woods gave his side the vote of confidence ahead of this Sunday’s crucial tie saying: “We go into the game full of confidence knowing that if we play to our potential and keep our concentration levels for the full 90 minutes, we should come out with a positive result.”