Manchester City head into the latest Manchester derby hoping to inflict a first defeat of the season on the table-topping Reds and Roebuck believes thwarting her former team-mate Ella Toone will go a long way to determining Gareth Taylor’s side’s chances of victory.
Toone began her career at the Academy Stadium, before making the move across Manchester in the summer of 2018 and has started the season in fine form.
The forward has scored three goals in six league games and whilst there is a friendly rivalry between the two players, Roebuck is determined to shut out one of United’s biggest threats.
“I’m a bit biased because she’s my friend but I think Ella Toone has been brilliant,” she told mancity.com.
“In the middle, she’s dictated play. Last year, she was good but this year, she’s really taken the league by storm.
“Getting her England call-up boosted her confidence and she controls everything. She’s a really exciting player.
“Hopefully, she won’t be scoring past me! It’s something to look out for but we’d be having words if that happened!
“She can maybe have a shot but I’ll be doing everything I can to save it!”
Local bragging rights aside, there is plenty of stake at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday.
It is an occasion to look forward to for Roebuck, who admits these are the games she dreamt of playing in as a youngster and she goes into this derby encounter encouraged by City’s recent run of good form.
Taylor’s side are unbeaten in four games in all competitions and the goalkeeper hopes that momentum will serve us well against a team that also won’t be lacking in confidence.
“It’s a game everyone loves playing in – they’re the best games to be part of,” added 21-year-old.
“Off the back of last week, everything is really positive. For us as a team, it’s hopefully given us a bit of momentum going into a big game this weekend.
“They beat Arsenal and I watched that game and thought they played really well. We’ve prepared all week and I hope we can get a good result.”
