Picture Special

Training: City gear up for Chelsea clash

City stepped up preparations on Friday as the build-up intensifies for Sunday's opening WSL home match of the new season against Chelsea.

Gareth Taylor’s side play host to the reigning WSL champions in what will be our first home game of the 2023/24 WSL campaign.

City will welcome Chelsea to the Joie Stadium on Sunday 8 October, with kick-off set for 12:30 (UK).

It’s a mouth-watering prospect that sees two of the WSL’s pre-season title favourites lock horns in what is sure to be a thrilling occasion in front of a sell-out crowd.

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The fixture also ties into the Club’s ‘Week of Joie’ celebrations surrounding our first WSL fixture since the historic unveiling of our new Stadium name.

And as our gallery illustrates, the players were in great spirits as they went about their work.

View the best of Friday training in our gallery below…

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1

GUESS WHO: Ellie Roebuck is framed by the ball.

GUESS WHO: Ellie Roebuck is framed by the ball.
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2

ACTION STATIONS: Demi Stokes was all smiles during Friday's session.

ACTION STATIONS: Demi Stokes was all smiles during Friday's session.
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BY THE RIGHT: Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw lets fly.

BY THE RIGHT: Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw lets fly.
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HEADS UP: Lauren Hemp powers in a header.

HEADS UP: Lauren Hemp powers in a header.
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5

FIRING SQUAD: Alex Greenwood turns up the power.

FIRING SQUAD: Alex Greenwood turns up the power.
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THE BOSS: Gareth Taylor keeps a watchful eye over proceedings.

THE BOSS: Gareth Taylor keeps a watchful eye over proceedings.
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CHEER WE GO: Bunny was in buoyant mood!

CHEER WE GO: Bunny was in buoyant mood!
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8

THREE AMIGOS: Deyna Castellanos, Alex Greenwood and Lauren Hemp had that Friday feeling!

THREE AMIGOS: Deyna Castellanos, Alex Greenwood and Lauren Hemp had that Friday feeling!
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9

AT FULL STRETCH: Filippa Angeldahl powers through an exercise with Julie Blakstad.

AT FULL STRETCH: Filippa Angeldahl powers through an exercise with Julie Blakstad.
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AUSSIE RULES: Alanna Kennedy steps up the pressure.

AUSSIE RULES: Alanna Kennedy steps up the pressure.
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11

MOVING ON UP: The City players go through their paces.

MOVING ON UP: The City players go through their paces.