City played two games in Australia as part of a two-week tour over late August and early September, with notable absentees on the trip including midfielders Laura Coombs and Jill Roord.
That pair, as well as defenders Tara O’Hanlon and Risa Shimizu plus goalkeeper Sandy MacIver remained in Manchester for rehabilitation work ahead of the new season.
Since landing back in the UK, we have played behind-closed-doors friendlies against Liverpool and Aston Villa.
Now, the competitive action begins with a Champions League second round qualifying first leg at Paris FC coming on Wednesday at 17:45 (UK).
Paris FC v City | Match preview
We will then travel to Arsenal on Sunday to start our Barclays Women’s Super League season before welcoming Paris FC to the Joie Stadium for the return fixture in that tie.
Ahead of a hugely important week, Taylor says his squad is looking in a good position - with both Coombs and Roord edging closer to full fitness.
“In pre-season we’ve got everyone back into a good place,” he said in Monday’s press conference.
“Laura Coombs is back in with the squad which helps. All looking good apart from the notable long termers.
“Jill Roord is back in full training and really close to getting some minutes.
“She’s worked hard in and we’re looking forward to having her back. We saw what she did last season and we know what the quality she brings.”
Over pre-season has rotated his goalkeepers, with summer signing and Japanese international Ayaka Yamashita sharing the duties with last season’s WSL Golden Glove winner Khiara Keating.
Taylor was not drawn on which player will start this week, but did state that both goalkeepers, as well as recent addition Katie Startup, are all ready to go should they be called upon.
“I never like to call them number 1, 2 or 3,” he began.
“In my mind it’s really set but that can change really quickly. One point last season we probably only had one let alone a number one. Good competition in that with Katie [Startup] supporting that with Khiara [Keating] and [Ayaka] Yama[shita].
“In these these four games in 10 days we will need all outfield players, goalkeeper wise were not sure what that looks like. They’re all ready to go depending on what we need in that moment.”
Wednesday’s assignment sees City face the side that finished third in last year’s Premiere Ligue behind Lyon and PSG.
Taylor is well aware of the threat Paris FC pose and how to counteract that.
“They are one of the most aggressive pressing teams at times can be slightly erratic in their press and leave spaces,” he analysed.
“They can have a lot of success with the energy they put into the game. They’re a dangerous opponent so what we have to do is be smart with the ball and be ruthless.
“I’m expecting a high energy and fast game. Of course we want to try to control as much as we can. Difficult to do that. Anticipate the spaces slightly more in the backline in front. We have players more than capable of playing that game as well.”
Paris FC v City coverage
As always, mancity.com and our official app is the best place for full coverage of this clash.
Ahead of the 17:45 (UK) kick-off on Wednesday, live text updates will start on our Matchday Centre at approximately 15:45 (UK).
Then we’ll have free radio commentary as the game unfolds, before a match report, reaction and highlights are all available shortly afterwards.
We’ll then have live CITY+ coverage of the return leg at the Joie Stadium on Thursday 26 September as the tie’s victors are decided.
