Manchester City defender Kathleen ‘Paula’ Radtke admits Sunday’s clash against Bristol Academy is a must-win for both sides as the FA Women’s Super League 1 season reaches its climax.
With just two games to go City find themselves two points behind leaders Chelsea, who face Liverpool later on Sunday.
Radtke and Co. know any slip-up at the Academy Stadium will open the door for Chelsea to clinch their maiden WSL 1 crown.
Man City v Bristol Academy
FA Women's Super League with BT Sport 1
2pm, Sunday 27 September
Academy Stadium
Yet with bottom-of-the table Bristol equally desperate for points, the German defender says complacency must be put to one side if City are to keep their title hopes alive.
Radtke said: “On paper it seems to be an easy game, but for them it is also the last chance, they will put everything they can into the game.
“We are both fighting until the end but we will need to stay calm and let our football ability shine through.
“Chelsea are leading at the moment, but there are still two games and 180 minutes of football still to go, lots of stuff can happen.
“Both games are must-wins if we are to go and win the league. You never know with football, lots of random things can happen.
“It is brilliant that we have two home games and I would be lying if I said we didn’t believe we could do it. We’ve been working hard for 10 months and it comes down to ten days now.”
Bristol Academy must break Manchester City’s 13-game unbeaten record in all competitions if they are to avoid finishing bottom of the table this season.
If they fail to win they face the possibility of relegation to WSL 2, which will be subject to off-field requirements.
Yet midfielder Angharad James insists belief is high in the Vixens’ camp.
Bristol Academy's Angharad James
She said: “All our focus is on it at the moment and getting a win.
“We really believe we can do it and we won’t stop fighting. We’ve just to prepare right between now and then and hopefully things will go to plan.
“We analyse every game a few days after, and now it’s about getting whatever we didn’t get right in the last game right in this game.
“We’re not going to underestimate them, they’re a great side and they’ve got some great players. We’ve just got to concentrate on ourselves and if we play our best we’ll give them a good game.
“Six points are up for grabs, and that’s the most important thing for us now is to try and compete for those.”
