Birmingham City head coach Amy Merricks says her team will approach their return to the Women’s Super League with confidence when they face reigning champions Manchester City on the opening day of the 2026-27 season.
Birmingham secured the WSL 2 championship on the final day of last season, earning promotion back to the top tier after four years in the second division.
Their reward is an extremely demanding opening fixture, with Birmingham travelling to Manchester to take on Manchester City at the Joie Stadium on Sunday at 14:30 BST.
The venue will bring back difficult memories for Birmingham. When the sides last met there in May 2022, City recorded a 6-0 victory that confirmed Birmingham’s relegation from the WSL.
Manchester City were particularly dominant at home last season, winning all 11 of their WSL matches on their own ground. However, Merricks is not viewing the fixture as something for Birmingham to fear.
Merricks Wants Birmingham to Compete
The Birmingham boss believes facing City immediately gives her players an opportunity to test themselves against one of the strongest teams in the division.
“I think it’s a great time to play Man City. We know it’s going to be a challenge but we are well and truly up for it. We are here to compete, not just make up the numbers,” Merricks said ahead of the match.
She also stressed that Birmingham would remain focused on their own strengths rather than becoming overly concerned about City’s reputation.
“Our focus is on ourselves, we appreciate and respect who they are and what they have, but our mindset doesn’t change.”
That approach is particularly important because Birmingham developed a strong attacking identity during their promotion campaign.
Birmingham Refuse to Abandon Attacking Style
Birmingham averaged 2.09 goals per game last season and established themselves as an ambitious attacking side.
Merricks has no intention of abandoning those principles simply because her team is now competing against stronger opposition.
“There is a core part of our identity that is non-negotiable for us as Blues and myself as a head coach,” she explained.
“We are a progressive team, we will find ways to create and score. We are really clear on what our strengths are and what we need to maximise.”
The manager recognises that the WSL will present a significantly tougher challenge, but believes Birmingham must make the most of the qualities that earned them promotion.
“This is the best league in the world, it is going to be tough and a challenge, but what we can’t do is lose our strengths. We have to amplify those and put ourselves in the best position possible.”
Merricks also pointed to Birmingham’s performances in cup competitions last season as evidence that her players are capable of competing against high-quality opponents.
“We have to focus on what we can control and that’s how we can compete. We don’t fear anyone. I think we showed that in the cup competitions last year.”
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Manchester City Know Birmingham Can Cause Problems
Manchester City manager Andree Jeglertz is well aware of the threat Birmingham can pose.
The two sides met five months ago in the Women’s FA Cup quarter-finals, when City narrowly secured a 1-0 victory away from home.
Jeglertz remembers Birmingham’s defensive organisation and ability to transition quickly from defence into attack.
“We had a tough game against them last year. They were tactically very good and destroyed all the space on the field, defending low and their transitioning was very good. There are threats in their team we need to give attention to,” he said.
The City manager also expects Birmingham to arrive with considerable enthusiasm for their first WSL match following promotion.
“Playing against a team that is new in the league is always a challenge because I know they are coming in with a lot of energy in the first game.”
City Begin Title Defence
Manchester City are preparing to defend their league title for the first time in a decade, but Jeglertz insists that winning the championship last season should not lead to a more cautious mentality.
Instead, he wants his players to maintain the hunger that helped them reach the top.
“We are still chasing, chasing to win again. If you start protecting things, I don’t think that will help us. We need to be in a mood of hunger, trying to win again, to compete in different tournaments.”
Jeglertz warned that any drop in intensity could quickly be punished in the WSL.
“If we drop a little bit in performance or attitude, teams will go past us.”
Man City Face Injury Concerns
City will not have a full-strength squad available for Birmingham’s visit.
Jeglertz confirmed that forward Vivianne Miedema is expected to remain sidelined until at least late autumn because of a knee injury.
Defender Rebecca Knaak will also miss the opening match because of a foot problem.
There is more positive news elsewhere, with defender Jade Rose and midfielder Grace Clinton having returned to training.
However, summer signing Niamh Charles remains a major doubt ahead of Sunday’s fixture.
A Major Test for Birmingham
The opening-day meeting provides Birmingham with an immediate indication of the level required to compete back in the Women’s Super League.
Manchester City have home advantage, an impressive record at the Joie Stadium and the confidence of beginning their title defence.
Birmingham, meanwhile, will arrive with the momentum of winning WSL 2 and a clear desire to preserve the attacking identity that delivered promotion.
With both managers recognising the threat posed by the opposition, the contest promises to be a fascinating start to Birmingham’s return to the top flight.