'I already made a bet with Beth about it!' - Vivianne Miedema admits she's happy to get Arsenal return 'out the way' as she prepares to face partner Mead & ex-club on WSL opening day after Man City transfer

Miedema joined City from Arsenal on a three-year deal and, as fate has it, her first professional match in a sky blue shirt will be against her former club. Talking to reporters, she joked about getting the fixture out of the way and facing up against her partner of two years, Beth Mead.

Miedema left Arsenal after a hugely successful seven-year spell with the Gunners in which she racked up a whopping 125 goals in 172 appearances, becoming the WSL's all-time leading scorer. It was confirmed in May that the Dutch international would leave the club, and it wasn't long before City snapped her up ahead of the new campaign.

In a recent press conference, Miedema said: "I already made a bet with Beth about it, that it was going to happen! It's obviously gonna be a special game for me... it's exciting, and I'm happy to get it out of the way, I think. I hope we can start the season really well then."

While men's domestic football returns to England in a matter of days, Miedema and her City team-mates have to wait until September before they can face up to their WSL opponents. Manchester City's first match of the new campaign takes place on September 22, against Arsenal at the Emirates. With Emma Hayes finally out of the picture, City boss Gareth Taylor will be desperate for a first WSL title win.