SWPL game of the weekend: Celtic v Glasgow City

This weekend could give us our first clue in where the SWPL title will be heading at the end of the season.

Early days, I know, but the clashes between last season's top three could be decisive come May.

Champions Celtic host Glasgow City on Sunday after both sides opened in commanding style. Celtic thrashed Dundee United 9-0 on flag day at Parkhead while City were 7-0 winners at Montrose.

Where could the difference be made?

The new signings from both clubs are looking sharp.

Winger Sofia Maata had a mightily impressive debut as she scored three of City's goals in her first competitive start for Leanne Ross' side.

Defender Sam van Diemen and attacker Nicole Kozlova were also on the scoresheet, the latter finding the back of the net twice.

Celtic debutants also made an immediate impact. Defender Bruna Lourenco grabbed a goal and an assist, Signe Carstens bagged a goal and new striker Saoirse Noonan hit two.

It wasn't only the new faces who stepped up for Elena Sadiku's side though. Academy graduate Maria McAneny netted a double off the bench while last season's hero Amy Gallacher also got on the scoresheet.

What can previous results tell us?

If recent history is anything to go by, expect a tight contest.

The last meeting between these sides in May was a 2-2 draw. The previous outing saw Celtic narrowly emerge victorious in a 2-1 win and the game before that City took all three points.

In the 2022-23 campaign, Celtic were winners in four of the six meetings. But that was a very different looking Celtic side, and a very different City who went on to claim the league title regardless.

This time round, will Celtic make an early statement of intent in their title defence, or can City upset the champions? Either way, an exciting encounter awaits.

How to follow the weekend action on BBC

You can watch two live SWPL games on the BBC on Sunday.

First up is Rangers v Partick Thistle (14:00 BST), which will be streamed live on the BBC Sport website and app and iPlayer.

Then Celtic v City takes top billing. The game, which kicks off at 16:10, is live on BBC Alba and the BBC Sport website and app and iPlayer.

There will also be live text coverage all five Sunday games from 12:50 on the BBC Sport website and app.

And on Monday night, watch all the goals and best of the weekend SWPL action on Sportscene at 19:00 on BBC Scotland.