Manchester City begin their UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign at the round of 32 stage with a trip to Sweden to face Damallsvenskan champions Goteborg on Wednesday afternoon.
The Cityzens exited last season’s competition at the first hurdle after being defeated 3-2 on aggregate by Spanish club Atletico Madrid but they will be hoping to do better this year starting with a tricky tie against Goteborg at Valhalla IP in Gothenburg.
Goteborg battled bravely against Bayern Munich in last season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League round of 32 before going out of the competition on away goals. KGFC are set to begin their fourth European campaign with their previous tournament best being the quarter-finals.
The hosts go into their latest tie against Manchester City on the back of a three-and-a-half week break. Prior to the interval, Goteborg were unbeaten in 10 domestic fixtures while they had won their last three. Marcus Lantz’s side warmed up for Wednesday’s meeting with City by defeating Sweden Under-23s 5-2 in a friendly fixture on Friday.
Swedish international forward Stina Blackstenius could provide the greatest threat to Gareth Taylor’s side after netting three goals in her last two competitive matches while Norwegian midfielder Vilde Boe Risa is also dangerous when given time on the ball.
Manchester City travel to Sweden on the back of a comfortable 3-0 victory over Everton at Walton Hall Park on Sunday. The Blue Girls lost midfielder Rose Lavelle to a knee injury at half-time and she will miss the UEFA Women’s Champions League round of 32 first leg tie in Gothenburg.
Alex Greenwood and Chloe Kelly are pushing for starts following their recent return to fitness while Lauren Hemp may not be risked for the full 90 minutes as she continues to ease her way back into first team football following a hamstring injury.
Long-term absentee Aoife Mannion has returned to training but is not yet fit to feature while Megan Campbell is also out.
The UEFA Women’s Champions League round of 32 first leg tie between Goteborg and Manchester City is scheduled to kick-off at 3pm (UK) on Wednesday afternoon and will be available for fans to stream live on City+.
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