We welcome City to SW6 in a contest between the WSL's top two. Only two points separate the teams after nine games, and neither has yet tasted defeat this term.

Victory for Sonia Bompastor's side would see us leapfrog City and return to the summit, and Buchanan, who has been part of a Chelsea defence that has conceded just five league goals this term, believes the Blues are ready for the challenge ahead.

'It's at Stamford Bridge, so we're confident,' the Canadian international said. 'I think the last time we played them at Stamford Bridge, we started off defensively strong. And this season, with the stingy back line we have, I think we'll be in a better space.

'If we have that strong start and clean up a few things in defence, I think we'll be very confident in that game.'

City arrive in west London boasting an impressive record of their own, with 25 points earned from a possible 27 and Bunny Shaw leading the WSL scoring charts with 12 goals.

Buchanan is well aware of the threat posed by the Jamaican forward and believes limiting her opportunities will be crucial to Chelsea's chances of success.

'I think we've got to try to stop the service into Bunny any way possible and be strong physically,' she said. 'I do feel like we've had a good start to this season in both competitions. I think we are in a good space and just hope to keep it like that and improve as the season goes on.'

Buchanan also believes our strong start to the campaign has been built on the understanding and togetherness within Bompastor's squad.

Seven victories and two draws from our opening nine WSL fixtures have kept us near top spot, and we have also made a strong start to our UEFA Women's Champions League campaign.

'I think the more we work together, the more we move as one,' explained Buchanan. 'It's about team compactness, moving together, knowing our team-mates, knowing how Lucy (Bronze) plays, knowing how Nat (Bjorn) plays, knowing how Veerle (Buurman) plays, knowing how everyone plays on the field so then you can best support them as well.'

That collective spirit will be tested against a City side who ended our run of six consecutive WSL titles last season. But while today's opponents represent an obstacle in our pursuit of silverware this term, Buchanan insists the Blues' motivation comes from within rather than from a desire for revenge.

'I can't speak for everyone – it's each to their own – but I don't think it's about them,' she said. 'I think it's about Chelsea and, going off that, I think it's ours to take.

'It [the title] was ours and we lost it. They didn't win it; we lost it. So I feel it's the same this season: it's ours to take if we truly want it, and it's about just not letting it slip this year.

'Win against Man City at home and we're on top. I think after that game, hopefully we get the result we need, we'll be in a really good space.'