Both teams are currently locked in a three-way battle for the FA WSL title, and third place City go into the eagerly anticipated clash just two points behind our local rivals in second.
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With league leaders Chelsea a further three points ahead of Gareth Taylor’s side, it is tight at the top and there is a sense that much more than local bragging rights will be on the line when the two sides meet at the Academy Stadium on Friday evening.
Having scored a wonderful winner at the Etihad Stadium in the first women’s derby of the professional era, Weir is no stranger to the magnitude of the occasion, but believes the latest meeting carries extra significance.
“[I’m] really excited,” said the midfield at her pre-match press conference.
“There is no game like a derby. I have played in a few, Liverpool and Everton and City and United, and I think this is probably one of the biggest ones I will play in, in terms of what is at stake and the way the season is shaping up.
“These are the games you want to play in. I am just glad it is here now.”
Having just passed the halfway stage in the season, Weir admits it is impossible to ignore how valuable victory would be to City’s title aspirations.
However, the Scotland international does not feel that puts the team under any more pressure than usual.
Taylor’s side have a game in hand on both United and Chelsea and whilst a win would provide the added bonus of denting United’s chances of lifting the trophy in May, Weir refutes the idea that this game is a title decider.
“It’s big,” she added. “It is obviously tight at the top and we are coming into an important time of the season.
“As much as it is a derby, we know we have to win pretty much every game. That’s the way we look at it.
“There is a bit more pressure with it being derby, but we will focus on the game plan and hopefully we come out on top.
“It is a big one, but it doesn’t change our mindset. When we drew games at the start of the season we knew we needed to win games.
“I wouldn’t say the title race hangs on this games, but we want to be winning these games. It would help in our race for the title.”
City go into the game as the WSL’s in form team and boast a 100% record from our previous six outings, whilst United suffered a surprise loss to Reading last weekend.
Taylor’s side have enjoyed a brilliant run since December, losing just one of our last nine matches in all competitions.
Victory over Arsenal on Sunday was a welcome boost and, having made a stuttered start to the season, Weir believes it is important City end the campaign strongly.
“I think so,” she said when asked if now is the time to capitalise on our good form.
“I think it always takes time. We saw that when certain results weren’t good enough.
“At the same time, there was a lot of new players and a new manager, so we knew it would take time.
“Before Christmas you saw our performances come together and we have continued that into the New Year.
“From the team’s point of view, we feel like we are getting the game plan and how Gaz wants to play.
“It’s about building on that and keeping the momentum.”
