Manchester derby key battles: Katie Zelem versus Jill Roord can dictate outcome

Sky Sports is hosting Super Sunday with a twist this weekend - the same back-to-back live action, but all from the Women's Super League, as Brighton entertain rejuvenated Arsenal and Old Trafford hosts a massive Manchester derby for the very first time.

Here, we're going to focus on the big head-to-head bout between the two Manchester heavyweights, and attempt to unpack which tactical nuances will be key to victory.

The midfield confrontation presents one of this game's most interesting tactical sub-plots.

Jill Roord has been a revelation since joining Man City in the summer - and her presence is felt all over this City side. Below is a passage about the importance of the Lauren Hemp-Chloe Kelly connection, but Roord's influence is equally paramount.

Certainly Gareth Taylor side's have suffered since Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Caroline Weir left for pastures new in the same window. Any team would.

Yui Hasegawa plugged the middle-third gap in some capacity but it was clear City needed someone of Roord's ilk to gain greater control and manipulation of the ball - their possession-based philosophy demands it.

Roord is a player who steadies a ship, but also steers it; she shows up in big moments and her British record transfer fee is testament to that.

Katie Zelem is a different brand of midfielder but one that is equally important to Man Utd's flow. Both are combative and it'll be fascinating to see who can outmanoeuvre the other to greater effect. Expect some intriguing back-and-forth in a battle of the ball-players.

As good as City are in possession, they aren't necessarily as adept without the ball, and Man Utd's forward line is packed with poachers.

United have also grown in confidence when facing their biggest rivals and