Picture Special

Gallery: All lit up for the derby

History will be made at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday when City usher in the new FA Women’s Super League campaign with an historic derby encounter against newly-promoted United at the Etihad.

The first-ever women’s Manchester derby of the professional era promises to be a memorable occasion for everyone at the Club with skipper Steph Houghton revealing it was a fixture all the squad have been eagerly awaiting ever since it was confirmed in the summer.

READ: Caroline Weir | Games don’t get bigger than this

WATCH: City v United | Witness history

TICKETS: City v United | Kids go free

However, despite the high stakes and importance of the season opener, as our special pre-derby gallery demonstrates, the squad were in relaxed mood as the clock ticks down to Saturday.

Club photographer Tom Flathers was on hand to snap a series of eye-catching images as the City squad prepare for the historic derby encounter.

1

1

BLUE STEEL : Caroline Weir, Laura Coombs and Gemma Bonner could all prove key figures on Saturday

BLUE STEEL : Caroline Weir, Laura Coombs and Gemma Bonner could all prove key figures on Saturday
2

2

ALL LIT UP : Demi Stokes looks in the mood for the season opener

ALL LIT UP : Demi Stokes looks in the mood for the season opener
3

3

FREEZE FRAME : Ellen White, Steph Houghton, Jill Scott and Demi Stokes share a smile during the photo shoot

FREEZE FRAME : Ellen White, Steph Houghton, Jill Scott and Demi Stokes share a smile during the photo shoot
4

4

FEEL THE FORCE : Gemma Bonner looks ready to turn the Etihad blue this weekend

FEEL THE FORCE : Gemma Bonner looks ready to turn the Etihad blue this weekend
5

5

LIGHTNING STRIKE : Summer signing Laura Coombs gets in the derby mood

LIGHTNING STRIKE : Summer signing Laura Coombs gets in the derby mood
6

6

GREAT SCOTT : Jill Scott has sampled many big occasions but Saturday's derby promises to be another major milestone

GREAT SCOTT : Jill Scott has sampled many big occasions but Saturday's derby promises to be another major milestone
7

7

TIME OUT : Steph Houghton and Co take a breather during the photo session

TIME OUT : Steph Houghton and Co take a breather during the photo session
8

8

LET'S ROCK 'N ROLL : Lee Geum-min looks in the derby mood!

LET'S ROCK 'N ROLL : Lee Geum-min looks in the derby mood!
9

9

VISION ON : Lauren Hemp, Lee Geum-min and Jess Park are the centre of attention

VISION ON : Lauren Hemp, Lee Geum-min and Jess Park are the centre of attention
10

10

TRUE COLOURS : Tyler Toland is flying the flag for City

TRUE COLOURS : Tyler Toland is flying the flag for City
11

11

SPIRIT LEVEL : Megan Campbell is raring to go ahead of the Etihad derby

SPIRIT LEVEL : Megan Campbell is raring to go ahead of the Etihad derby
12

12

BADGE OF HONOUR : Lifelong City fan Keira Walsh says she can't wait to tackle United this weekend

BADGE OF HONOUR : Lifelong City fan Keira Walsh says she can't wait to tackle United this weekend
13

13

STRIKE A POSE : Summer signing Laura Coombs is already loving life at City

STRIKE A POSE : Summer signing Laura Coombs is already loving life at City
14

14

WEIR WE GO : Caroline Weir says that games don't come bigger than Saturday's derby encounter

WEIR WE GO : Caroline Weir says that games don't come bigger than Saturday's derby encounter
15

15

LEADING LIGHT : Skipper Steph Houghton is ready to lead from the front against United

LEADING LIGHT : Skipper Steph Houghton is ready to lead from the front against United