Prior: Being a City fan as a kid, playing at the Etihad is always special | OneFootball

Gracie Prior shared her thoughts ahead of the Manchester derby, saying that as a lifelong City fan, the occasion will mean a lot to her.

Andree Jeglertz’s side host our cross-city rivals at the Etihad Stadium for our Barclays Women’s Super League game on Saturday 15 November, with kick-off scheduled for 13:30 (UK).

With local bragging rights on the cards, for fans and players alike it’s the most anticipated game of the season and this time will be no different.

Both sides have been in top form in the WSL this season, with second place City looking to extend our six game winning run in the league against a United side that are unbeaten so far this term.

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Ahead of the clash, we spoke to Gracie Prior about what the derby means to the players and how special it is to play at the Etihad.

“It’s massive,” she said.

“Growing up, it’s always been a massive rivalry so to play in it is massive.

“You can tell it’s just a different feeling, everyone just wants [to win]. You want to win every game but the derby is just a different feeling.”

“Playing at the Etihad is always special,” she added.

“Especially being a City fan as a kid, going there and playing on the pitch just feels crazy.

“[My first game there] it was Chelsea at home and it was a crazy experience. It was my first time playing on it and to start was really good.

“The fans are massive, we hear them every time. Just being there cheering us on, it gives everyone an extra motivation.”

City have had a fine start to life under head coach, Andree Jeglertz, as we currently boast a seven game winning streak across all competitions and Prior had plenty of praise for the Danish.

“I’ve really enjoyed it, I think he’s come in and told us everything he wants,” she said.

“He just gives us a lot of freedom which everyone enjoys playing and I think his style of play is different, but it’s really enjoyable.

“He definitely believes in every one of us and you can tell how confident he is in his team talks. It just helps push the team.”

And with a new manager also came new ideas, which Prior says included a change in formation.

“We go to a three now instead which I think is different, but it also gives you more freedom.

“It gives you the freedom where if it’s not on to play short, then you can play long.

“I think it’s really good to play under him. At first it was different, but the more games we play it’s definitely settled now.”

And with neither side wanting to be the one to drop points in a game that will help shape the title race, it’s certainly not one to miss.