Gareth Taylor says Alanna Kennedy and Demi Stokes have picked up niggles ahead of City’s WSL clash with Arsenal.

The defensive duo were on the bench for our 2-0 victory over Chelsea last weekend, but are both doubts for Sunday’s trip to Meadow Park.

However, the boss revealed no further concerns ahead of the encounter, meaning Lauren Hemp has recovered in time from an ear infection to be involved against the Gunners.

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Taylor said: “There’s a couple of little niggles with Alanna [Kennedy] and with Demi [Stokes].

“But, outside of that everyone else is really good.

“Everyone’s come through the training session earlier today. In terms of availability, numbers wise we’re in a good place.”

City are aiming to extend our unbeaten run to 15 in the WSL, a streak which stretches all the way back to September.

Taylor’s side have claimed statement victories over both Arsenal and Chelsea on home soil during that period, with Hemp on target in both fixtures.

The winger was named City’s Player of the Year last season, finishing as our leading scorer with 21 goal in all competitions.

And while she’s unlikely to match that tally in the current campaign, she has made an equally important contribution to our success so far.

Indeed, Taylor insists both her form and those of her team-mates needs to be put in perspective with the growing profile and exposure that comes with the women’s game.

“With all top players and let’s get it right, Lauren is a top player, they have moments where they feel great or not so good or feel like they’re struggling for form,” he explained.

“I think it’s something these players won’t have experienced previously, the spotlight they’re under, particularly the Lionesses with winning in the summer and the expectation that brings and the extra responsibility.

“It’s really important to understand for all the players that everyone is trying their best, everyone has good moments and will suffer at times.

“You want to be there for the players want them to be the very best of themselves. You educate them and tell them it’s not a bed of roses, you have good moments, bad moments, injuries.

“What I see from the best players and coaches are the ones who can block out the noise, keep the circle close, concentrate and believe in what you do and understand that there’s going to be bumps in the road.

“Sometimes it’s the bumps in the road that can define who you are.

“The women’s game is changing right in front of our noses. It’s tough. We need to remember why these girls started the game in the first place.”

Arsenal v City

City face Arsenal on Sunday 2 April, with kick-off at Meadow Park set for 12:30 (UK).

Just three points separate the top four in the Barclays Women’s Super League, with the Gunners and Gareth Taylor’s side both in the thick of the title race.

And while Arsenal came on top in the first meeting between the two sides after extra time in the Continental Cup semi-finals, City responded with a deserved 2-1 league victory at the Academy Stadium just three days later.

It promises to be yet another thrilling encounter, as we aim to build on an impressive 2-0 win over reigning WSL champions Chelsea.

As always, the official Man City app offers comprehensive coverage before, during and after the action from one handy place.

Our Matchday Centre gets under way at 11:00, providing detailed, stats, analysis and live text commentary across the day.

Alistair Mann will guide you through the action with live audio commentary from kick-off, while those with push notifications turned on will also be alerted to all the key moments in the game.

A detailed match report, plus reaction from Gareth Taylor and players alike will follow soon after the final whistle, while highlights and a full-match replay [available on CITY+ and Recast] can be accessed from 12:00 on Monday 3 April.