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Training: Countdown begins ahead of WSL title fight finale

City were back hard at work at the Joie Stadium on Tuesday as the focus turns to the final game of a momentous FA Women’s Super League season in 10 days’ time.

Gareth Taylor’s squad are beginning preparations in earnest for a nerve-jangling end of season finale when we travel to Aston Villa on Saturday, May 18.

City are seeking to secure what would be our first WSL title since 2016 and locked in a fight to the finish with reigning champions Chelsea.

As things stand we are three points ahead of the Londoners – but Emma Hayes’ side have a game in hand and visit Tottenham a week on Wednesday before they then sign off at Manchester United.

It means everything is still up for grabs after what has been a thrilling fight for supremacy.

And as our gallery illustrates, the City players were in great spirits as they went about their work as the countdown to the trip to Villa begins in earnest.

View the best of Tuesday training in our gallery above...

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FOCUS TIME: For Yui Hasegawa.

FOCUS TIME: For Yui Hasegawa.
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SHADOWPLAY: Manager Gareth Taylor is captured in silhouette.

SHADOWPLAY: Manager Gareth Taylor is captured in silhouette.
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TAKE THAT: Laura Coombs lets fly.

TAKE THAT: Laura Coombs lets fly.
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ACTION STATIONS: It was great to see Jill Roord and Ellie Roebuck put through their paces.

ACTION STATIONS: It was great to see Jill Roord and Ellie Roebuck put through their paces.
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CLUTCH MOMENT: Katie Startup seizes the ball.

CLUTCH MOMENT: Katie Startup seizes the ball.
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BEST FOOT FORWARD: Esme Morgan takes aim.

BEST FOOT FORWARD: Esme Morgan takes aim.
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ALL SMILES: Lauren Hemp takes a moment out to relax.

ALL SMILES: Lauren Hemp takes a moment out to relax.
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PASS MASTER: Laia Aleixandri pings in a through ball with Demi Stokes in close attendance.

PASS MASTER: Laia Aleixandri pings in a through ball with Demi Stokes in close attendance.
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SIZING UP THE OPTIONS: That's Filippa Angeldahl with Steph Houghton in close attendance.

SIZING UP THE OPTIONS: That's Filippa Angeldahl with Steph Houghton in close attendance.
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TAKING A BREATHER: Ruby Mace and Khiara Keating take five.

TAKING A BREATHER: Ruby Mace and Khiara Keating take five.
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BEST FOOT FORWARD: Demi Stokes powers in a shot.

BEST FOOT FORWARD: Demi Stokes powers in a shot.

Further reading

Gallery: Hero Hemp secures final day victory

Gallery: Hero Hemp secures final day victory

Picture Special

Training: Title fight up next

Training: Title fight up next

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Training: Preparing for WSL finale

Training: Preparing for WSL finale

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