Birmingham City Women are back at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park this weekend to take on Championship strugglers Sheffield United.

Less than 24 hours after Chris Davies’ men have battled Charlton, the St Andrew’s turnstiles will open again for a clash Amy Merricks’ side have to win. Blues are still in pole position to win promotion to the Super League but London City Lionnesses are hot on their heels.

Anything other than a victory would hand London City – who host Sunderland on Sunday – the initiative. Bristol City are also in contention, three points behind Blues with a game-in-hand and recently defeated Merricks’ women at St Andrew’s.

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Home form needs improvement

Home hasn’t been where the heart is for Blues women this season. In contrast to the men, who are unbeaten at St Andrew’s in 14 League One matches, the women have only won one of their last six in B9 dating back to the beginning of October.

Their last win on home turf came against Blackburn Rovers on October 6. Since then they have lost to Newcastle, Durham ( FA Cup ) and Bristol City, and drew 0-0 with Charlton.

Contrast that to their away form, with Blues boasting five straight league wins on the road after the success at Sunderland last time out. Blues’ winning run on the road started back in October against this weekend’s opponents Sheffield United.

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Double award for Mason

Blues defender Ellie Mason has been named the Barclays Women’s Championship Player of the Month for January after netting in matches against Portsmouth and Bristol City.

Mason, 28, has also been presented with the Goal of the Month award for her looping effort in the 3-1 victory at Portsmouth.

International call-ups

A handful of Blues players will represent their countries later this month. Lucy Quinn has been named in the Republic of Ireland squad for their matches with Turkey and Slovenia.

South Korean pair Lee Geum-min and Choe Yu-ri have been called up to take part in the Pink Ladies Cup in Dubai. South Korea will play Uzbekistan, Thailand and India in the space of six days at the Al-Hamriya Sports Club Stadium.

New signing Emily van Egmond has been called up by Australia to represent the Matildas in their SheBelieves Cup campaign in the United States. The Matildas will play Japan, the United States and Colombia.