Gareth Taylor’s side are in pursuit of a tenth-successive victory in all competitions and welcome our cross-city rivals to the Etihad Stadium for a 12:30 (UK) kick-off.
Over 40,000 tickets have already been snapped up for what promises to be an historic occasion, with Hasegawa champing at the bit for her first derby experience.
And the Japanese international believes the City supporters can play an important role in a fixture which could have huge significance on the nascent WSL title race.
BARCLAYS WSL ETIHAD DERBY: BUY YOUR TICKETS
“I’m really looking forward to playing in front of a big crowd. The fans empower us to perform in these situations,” she declared.
“I am very excited. It’s one of the biggest derbies in the world, I can’t wait.
“Very important game. We have to win every game so it’s really important.”
A deadline day signing from West Ham United, Hasegawa has been one of City’s standout performers in an impressive start to the campaign.
Operating at the base of a midfield three, her technical quality and vision in possession is matched by an impressive tactical intelligence and tenacity without the ball.
The Japanese international played in a more advanced position during her time at the Hammers but has welcomed the challenges that have come her way since moving into a deep-lying role.
She said: “I really like City’s style of football. I am very pleased to play here.
“I’m adapting very well because I used to play a similar style of football in Japan but I played as an eight or a ten.
“It’s a little bit difficult to play at number six, physically and mentally, but I like to defend as much as attack so I really enjoy it.
“The manager said, ‘you play really well there’. I have confidence here.
