Unbeaten in all competitions so far this season, Nick Cushing’s side will hope to continue our strong start but history suggests the Midlands outfit will pose a stern test.
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With three top five finishes since the FA WSL began, Birmingham have been one of the league’s most consistent teams and for City fans this is a clash which has been both triumphant and dramatic in equal measure.
Here, we recall three of our most memorable encounters with this weekend’s opponents...
City 1-0 Birmingham – October 2016
Seven days after lifting our first league title, we hosted a Birmingham side boasting future City players Mel Lawley and Aoife Mannion in the Continental Cup final.
It was a City side at its peak, unbeaten league champions that season and having scored 13 goals in three games en route to the showpiece game.
Played at the Academy Stadium, the home crowd were expectant, but the visitors ignored the script and took the game to extra time after their resolute defending proving difficult to break down.
Birmingham ‘keeper Ann-Katrin Berger was central to this.
She enjoyed a fine afternoon, denying Jennifer Beattie and Toni Duggan, but ultimately it was her error – misjudging Duggan’s corner - which allowed Lucy Bronze to head into the unguarded net for the game’s only goal.
A hard-fought victory which capped a momentous week in the Club’s history, it was also particularly memorable for manager Cushing, whose wife went into labour for the birth of his third child during the game.
Birmingham 1-4 City - May 2017
“It’s what dreams are made of,” said Steph Houghton after winning the FA Cup and it’s a day that will live long in the memory for City fans.
City were imperious to win the competition for the first time in front of what was then a record crowd at Wembley Stadium.
The 4-1 victory sealed a clean sweep of domestic honours for Cushing’s side, who scored three goals in 14 first half minutes and never looked back.
From the first minute, City pressed incessantly, with Lucy Bronze, Izzy Christiansen and Carli Lloyd all on target in a one-sided opening period.
We remained the dominant side after the break and though Charlie Wellings’ goal gave Birmingham hope, Jill Scott arrowed into the top corner to confirm that the celebrations could begin.
City 3-1 Birmingham - October 2017
City left it as late as possible in the FA WSL two years ago, securing all three points with a determined performance that characterised the spirit of Cushing’s squad.
Birmingham took the lead as early as the fifth minute and though City toiled for much of the game, we levelled with 14 minutes remaining and scored twice in added time.
A stunning 35-yard effort from Lucy Quinn put the visitors ahead before Christiansen equalised from the spot and minutes later Birmingham captain Kerys Harrop was sent off.
That proved the catalyst for City and our never say die attitude was rewarded when Beattie nodded home in the 91st minute, with Christiansen again netting from 12-yards for the third in the eighth minute of added time.
City are next in action with the FA WSL visit of Birmingham to the Academy Stadium on Saturday 12 October (2pm). Tickets for all home games are on sale online and at the Etihad Stadium Ticket Office.
