Everton Women host Manchester City on Sunday as the WSL leaders return from the winter break with a six point advantage at the top of the table. Brian Sorensen’s side will be without several key players including Rion Ishikawa due to sickness and Hikaru Kitagawa who is being assessed after feeling her hamstring during training.

Elise Stenevik, Megan Finnigan and Lucy Hope remain unavailable while Katie Robinson has returned to Aston Villa after her loan spell ended, having made 12 appearances for the Toffees. Everton sit 10th in the table, five points above the relegation zone.

Kick-off: 12:00 GMT, Sunday, January 11, 2026
Venue: Joie Stadium, Manchester
TV: TBC

Sorensen Demands Defensive Discipline

The Everton boss knows his side face an uphill task against the league’s highest scorers. “They have a very good team and we have to put a performance in. We have the confidence to know that we can do it if we get it right. But, it is going to be extremely hard. We have to be right in the defensive department. We know how good they are. We need to focus on ourselves and make sure we get our things right.”

Manchester City have been relentless since their opening day defeat to Chelsea in September, establishing a commanding lead at the top. Khadija Shaw tops the scoring charts with support from Vivianne Miedema and Aoba Fujino providing goals throughout the season.

Recent Meetings Favor City

The clubs have already met twice this season with Andrée Jeglertz’s team winning both encounters. City won 3-1 in the League Cup at Joie Stadium in September before edging a competitive 2-1 victory at Goodison Park in November, despite Kelly Gago’s equalizer.

Predicted Lineups:

Everton (4-2-3-1): Ramsey; Vanhaevermaet, Wheeler, Payne, Boje Sørensen; Clare, Hayashi; Thomas, Gago, Bissell; Snoeijs

Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Yamashita; Casparij, Rose, Knaak, Ouahabi; Hasegawa, Blindkilde Brown; Fujino, Miedema, Hemp; Shaw

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Vivianne Miedema has revealed she wants to extend her stay at Manchester City beyond this summer with contract talks currently underway. The Netherlands international joined the WSL leaders on a free transfer from Arsenal in summer 2024 and has been instrumental in their charge towards the title.

“Officially, I have a contract until the summer. We’re working hard to extend that. I’m sure it’ll work out. I’m happy at the club and I feel good about the direction the club is going,” Miedema told FCLeeuwinnen and AD.nl.

Thriving Under Andrée Jeglertz

The 29 year old striker has rediscovered her best form at City after injury troubles plagued her final years at Arsenal. She’s formed a lethal partnership with Bunny Shaw in attack, helping Andrée Jeglertz’s side build a six point lead at the top of the WSL table heading into the winter break.

Miedema scored her 100th WSL goal during City’s 6-1 demolition of Aston Villa in December, becoming only the second player to reach that milestone. Her performances have been crucial to City’s 13 match unbeaten run across all competitions since their opening day defeat to Chelsea.

City Keen to Secure Key Asset

Manchester City will be eager to tie down Miedema to a new deal given her importance to their title push. The striker’s contract situation means she could sign a pre contract with clubs outside England from this month if terms aren’t agreed.

City face a challenging run of fixtures when they return from the winter break, starting with West Ham in the League Cup quarter final before resuming their WSL campaign. Securing Miedema’s future would provide a significant boost as they look to end their four year trophy drought and claim their first WSL title since 2021.

Also read: Arsenal Women Set to Recall Goalkeeper Naomi Williams From Bristol City Loan Spell After Injury To Key Star

Manchester City’s trip to Arsenal on February 8 has a new kick off time. The Barclays Women’s Super League clash moves to 12:00 (UK) and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports after being selected for television coverage.

The fixture at Emirates Stadium remains on the same date, but the early slot replaces the originally scheduled time. Sky Sports continues dominating WSL broadcast rights, and this matchup between two title contenders merited prime television real estate.

Arsenal vs Manchester City Women Fixture Moved to 12:00 for Sky Sports Coverage in February

Arsenal sit third in the WSL table heading into January having lost just once all season. That defeat came at Manchester City’s Joie Stadium in October when City ran out 3 to 2 winners in a thrilling encounter.

Iman Beney’s late effort cancelled out Chloe Kelly’s equaliser to secure all three points for Jeglertz’s side. The Blues opened through Khadija Shaw’s powerful header, with Mariona Caldentey extending the lead early in the second half before Kerstin Casparij added a third. Arsenal mounted a comeback, but City held on for a crucial away victory.

Title Race Implications

Both sides are genuine title challengers. Arsenal have only one defeat in 11 matches. City, as defending champions, know they cannot afford slip ups against competitors chasing them.

This February 8 encounter will have serious implications for the WSL title race at the business end of the season. Early kick offs often favour teams with clinical finishing and established rhythm, so neither side gets an advantage from the time change.

Recent Form

Arsenal recently booked their League Cup semi final spot with a 2 to 0 win against Crystal Palace. City, meanwhile, demolished West Ham 5 to 1 to reach the last four where they face Chelsea. Both teams are sharp heading into the new year.

The February 8 showdown becomes must watch television for any WSL follower. Sky Sports recognise this is elite level women’s football and schedule accordingly. Winter football at its finest.

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