The Manchester derby is rarely short of drama, but Sunday’s meeting between Manchester United and Manchester City could carry extra significance for the visitors.

City have made a flawless start to their Women’s Super League campaign, establishing themselves as early title contenders under Andrée Jeglertz. United, meanwhile, have begun to find their rhythm again after a difficult spell, setting up an intriguing contest between two sides heading into the weekend with contrasting momentum.

There is also a major individual milestone on the horizon. One of the league’s most prolific forwards could reach a landmark appearance against United, giving the hosts another challenge to contend with as they attempt to halt their neighbours’ impressive run.

Manchester United vs Manchester City Women: form and key talking points

Manchester City have the opportunity to achieve something neither side has managed before in the Women’s Super League: win three consecutive Manchester derbies.

City recorded 3-0 victories both home and away against Manchester United last season. Another win on Sunday would extend that sequence to three successive derby victories, giving Jeglertz’s side the chance to make history in the fixture.

Their confidence will be high after winning all six of their opening WSL matches this season. City could now equal their best start to a campaign in the competition by winning their seventh consecutive game, matching their record from 2017-18, when they were also reigning champions.

The visitors have combined attacking quality with consistency to establish themselves at the top of the early-season standings. Maintaining that momentum against one of their closest rivals would further strengthen their title credentials.

However, United should not be underestimated. The Red Devils have won their last three league matches after going seven games without a victory, during which they recorded three draws and four defeats.

That improvement gives Marc Skinner’s side a platform to build on, particularly with home advantage behind them. A derby victory would provide a significant boost after their inconsistent start and offer a chance to disrupt City’s early-season dominance.

The challenge, however, is reflected in the teams’ recent records against the WSL’s leading sides. Since the start of last season, United have collected just four points in matches against the so-called big four, drawing four and losing four. City have recorded the strongest return in those fixtures, collecting 15 points from five wins and two defeats.

Those figures underline the scale of the task facing United, who will need to deliver a more complete performance if they are to stop City from extending their winning run.

Khadija Shaw milestone adds another dimension to the Manchester derby

If Manchester United are to cause an upset, keeping Khadija Shaw quiet will be one of their biggest priorities.

The Manchester City forward could make her 100th WSL appearance on Sunday, having already established an extraordinary scoring record in the competition. Shaw has scored 90 goals across her first 99 league appearances, putting her 12 goals ahead of any other player’s tally across their first 100 outings.

Her finishing, physical presence and ability to threaten in the penalty area make her a constant danger to opposition defences. With City creating opportunities consistently, United will need to limit the service reaching the forward as well as manage her movement in dangerous areas.

Shaw could also become the first player to score in each of her first six starts of a WSL season, adding another record to an already remarkable campaign.

The prospect of reaching a century of appearances while potentially extending her scoring streak makes the derby an important occasion for the Jamaica international. United will be determined not to allow the milestone to become a celebration at their expense.

The Opta supercomputer gives City a 48.5% chance of winning Sunday’s match. United have a 27.5% probability of victory, while the likelihood of a draw stands at 24%.

Although City are favourites, those figures suggest the contest is far from a foregone conclusion. United’s recent three-game winning run offers encouragement, but their record against the strongest sides and City’s perfect league start point towards a difficult afternoon for the hosts.

Prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City

United have shown signs of recovery in recent weeks and should make the derby competitive, particularly in front of their home supporters. However, City’s consistency, attacking threat and impressive record against their rivals make them difficult to look past.

If Shaw continues her prolific form, the visitors could secure another important victory, move closer to a record-breaking derby achievement and maintain their perfect start to the WSL season.