Aleixandri cannot wait for City to tackle United at the Etihad

Laia Aleixandri is counting down the hours until title-chasing Manchester City collide with neighbours Manchester United at the Etihad.

Having already beaten United twice this season — at Old Trafford in the Women's Super League and the Joie Stadium in the Conti Cup — Gareth Taylor's side will be looking to make it a hat-trick on Saturday,

And Aleixandri is buzzing ahead of the lunchtime showdown, which could see City move above table-topping Chelsea — for 24 hours at least.

The Spanish defender, 23, told the club's website: "I can't wait. I think it's going to be very special for the team.

"To play at the Etihad with the fans is going to be amazing and hopefully we can win the three points.

"In these games we are going to experience difficult moments, so we need to know how to manage and come through them. 

"We are ready to compete in these type of matches."

A record 44,259 supporters attended last season's WSL clash between the sides at the Etihad, where Laura Coombs' second-half equaliser secured a point for City. 

And Aleixandri is banking on another bumper crowd packing the stadium to cheer the hosts to a vital victory as they chase glory in the title race.

She added: "I think it's possible [to break the record crowd] because our fans are very important for us.

"I can't wait to see the Etihad so loud. Hopefully we can break this record."

WSL champions Chelsea head to West Ham on Sunday as they continue their pursuit of a quadruple in Emma Hayes' last season as manager.