Interim head coach Amy Merricks knows Albion face a big challenge against Manchester City in the Women's Super League this weekend.

The two sides are currently separated by eight points and meet at the Academy Stadium on Sunday (2pm).

And Merricks says Albion will have to apply themselves as much as they can to have any chance of another positive result, having overseen a 5-4 win at West Ham and 3-3 draw with Liverpool in the WSL to date.

"It will be a challenge like every game," said Merricks at a press conference. "They're a good side, they move the ball really well. 

"We have to be hard to beat. If we really apply ourselves, we will give ourselves the best chance within the game.

"It's about applying ourselves and remembering we have a threat to pose as well. Impose ourselves on the game where we can and go from there.

"It's all about the performance. We apply ourselves and make sure we can stay in it, then we will make it difficult for them.

"They obviously have individuals with great experience and we're aware of that and have to set up in relation to that as well as setting up in relation to our strengths and ensuring we can impose ourselves on the game in certain stages."

Albion head north on the back of a 2-1 win in the League Cup last weekend, when Norwegian striker Elisabeth and Victoria Williams netted against Championship side London City Lionesses.

That made it 10 goals in three games under Merricks, having started the season with only four in their first six matches in all competitions.

"When you start scoring it's easier to continue that momentum," added Merricks.

"We're building on those foundations, our strengths and what works for us in those moments, making sure we try and play with some real intent.

"We have some very creative players in our front line and it's about utilising that when we can and have a threat in games.

"The players have tried to apply themselves in relation to that for sure.

"We had opportunities to score in those first few games. The players knew that, the staff knew that.

"We took our opportunity against West Ham and really found some momentum and when that opens up it does give you something as a player, a bit more belief and you continue to grow within that. Just trying to build on that, build on that intent when we can."

Merricks has been at the helm for a month now, since the legendary Hope Powell stepped down after five years in the role.

And she admitted she was focusing only on her short-term future at this point, looking to learn lessons every day.

"The process is ongoing. I'm focusing on game by game and really enjoying the challenge," she said.

"The application of the players and staff has made it a lot easier. We're trying to do the best job we can for the club.

"It has always been an ambition of mine and a target, right now I'm fully focused on being the interim and doing the best possible role I can at the moment for this club.

"You're always learning, no matter what role you're in. As a head coach there's different situations you're put into and you're learning. If you're not learning day by day you will fall behind.

"You have to consistently be reflecting on yourself and your performance and others. This should never be about me, it's about the team improving, leaving the team in a better place for whoever comes in to fill the position.

"It's about the players getting what they need to perform week in, week out. We're fully focused on the training and the games."