The sellout game at the Academy Stadium comes just three days after the two sides met in the semi-finals of the Conti Cup with the match going into extra-time before the Gunners triumphed 1-0.
Despite the quick turnaround following the game at Meadow Park, Taylor says that everyone involved in the cup clash is available to face Arsenal.
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“We’ve still got another 24 hours before kick-off,” he said in his pre-match conference. “We’ve been clever in how we’ve operated in that space in between. Let’s see.
“We’ll get together in the morning, we’ll see who in particular is in good shape and ready to play but all of the players who looked they had knocks have come through, or certainly put themselves in contention for tomorrow’s game which is great and that’s what we want.”
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Neither Demi Stokes nor Esme Morgan were involved in the Conti Cup clash as they step up their recoveries. However, the WSL game is likely to come to soon for either player.
“[They’re] progressing okay, Demi’s still struggling with illness, there’s been a bit of illness around over the last couple of weeks, players have missed a couple of days here and there,” Taylor added.
“Demi unfortunately is not that much closer but Esme is getting there but it’s unlikely that we will see either of them in this fixture.
“But the players who were involved at Arsenal have checked in really well so things are looking good.”
Meanwhile, Laura Coombs has been called into the England squad for the first time since November 2020 in the same week she signed a two-year contract extension at City.
Taylor is delighted for the midfielder who has played a big part this season.
“It’s great for Laura, firstly she really deserves this,” Taylor said. “Sometimes players can be overlooked at an international set-up, particularly when they’re doing really good things.
“Laura’s had opportunity this year, and before her recent illness she cemented her place in the team which is always difficult to do when there’s high competition levels.
“She’s brought a lot to the team and played to her strengths, she’s good at running beyond defences, her shooting ability is top class and is scoring goals. It’s really well deserved and belief levels and confidence with her are really high.
“I think opportunity is the main one but Laura’s always been in my mind for certain games. That’s down to her and obviously us in believing in her.
“Once Laura is in a place where she’s feel her confidence levels are high and good support around her and valued, she has a place in the team, that’s where you probably see the best in anyone.”
