Chelsea booked their place in the Continental Cup semi-finals last night after winning 4-2 against Manchester City. Either West Ham or Durham will join them depending on the outcome of their quarter-final tonight.
Sitting tenth in the WSL, the Hammers progressed in the competition as Group D leaders. Meanwhile current Championship runners-up Durham finished second in Group A.
Durham’s current form has gained them three wins out of a possible five recently, with their last league fixture being a 1-0 win over Sheffield United. A 54th minute goal from Niki Gears sealed all three points for the Wildcats, continuing their push for promotion into the Women’s Super League.
Whilst Durham are looking for access to the top flight, West Ham are struggling to remain there. Seven points from ten games this season hangs Olli Harder’s side on a shaky nail. Particularly now, with the loss of Rachel Daly who returned to her parent club Houston Dash following the completion of her loan spell.
Coming off the back of a narrow 1-0 defeat to Tottenham, West Ham will be looking to right their wrong.
Player to watch: Beth Hepple (Durham)
Beth Hepple is the name ringing in every oppositions ear when facing Durham. Lethal in front of goal and a constant driving threat, the 24-year-old is the perfect central-midfielder for any team to have in their line-up.
Her 47 goals and countless assists for the northern club so far is a testament to her development as a player and continuous hard work on the training pitch. Hepple may help dictate the outcome of how Durham look to win the game.
Player to watch: Emily Van Egmond (West Ham)
Former Melbourne City star Emily Van Egmond recently made her loan move permanent to the Hammers. A regular pick in the Australian National Team, Van Egmond’s link-up play opens up any defence she faces.
With her dangerous pace and flawless reading of the game, the midfielder can also be relied on to track back to help her defenders out. She will play a crucial part in the London club’s fixture this evening.
Kick-off will commence at 5:30pm and the match will be shown live on The FA Player.
