The Academy Stadium will be the venue for the Women’s Super League encounter between Manchester City and West Ham on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester City will be looking to get back on track in the league after suffering back-to-back defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal respectively. A high-scoring FA Cup win will surely provide a confidence boost for the City players heading into the match.
The blue side of Manchester currently sit in the bottom half of the table after the opening three game-weeks. Therefore a win is vital for Gareth Taylor’s team to keep them in the early stages of the title race.
Opposition
West Ham will head into the match with belief after earning their first victory of the season with a 4-0 win against Leicester City last weekend.
Ollie Harder’s side currently sit on four points from their opening three games, having experienced all three possible outcomes.
The Hammers have scored five goals all together and conceded three – two of them being against Brighton on the opening weekend.
Embed from Getty ImagesPrevious encounters
The last game of the 2020/21 season for both sides came against each other. Man City played host to West Ham as they looked to progress further in their FA Cup title defence.
Taylor’s side put out an emphatic display, beating the Hammers 5-1 in the quarter-finals. City then progressed further in the competition after sealing a 6-0 victory over Leicester midweek.
The last league meeting between the two sides came a week prior to the FA Cup game. The Sky Blues made the trip to East London, needing to secure all three points if they stood a chance of winning the WSL title.
At the full time whistle, City claimed the win courtesy of the only goal-scorer of the game, Ellen White.
The match was a memorable one for Mackenzie Arnold, who put in a valuable shift in between the sticks. Including denying American internationals Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle from the spot.
Predicted XIs
Manchester City
Taieb; Stanway, Kennedy, Greenwood, Stokes; Walsh; Angeldahl, Weir; Hemp, Shaw, Beckie.
West Ham United
Arnold; Flaherty, Cissoko, Parker; Longhurst, Yallop, Stringer, Brynjarsdottir, Hasegawa; Walker, Leon.
Players to Watch
Manchester City – Alex Greenwood
Embed from Getty ImagesEngland international Alex Greenwood has really made and impression since making the move to the club from Lyon last summer.
Since the start of the 21/22 season, the adjustment to centre-back role has provided the opportunity for Greenwood to register two assists, along with a goal in the FA Cup.
The No.5 has also kept two clean sheets in six matches this season.
West Ham United – Tameka Yallop
Embed from Getty ImagesThe 30-year old midfielder made her West Ham debut last weekend against Leicester. In the win over the Foxes, she contributed with two goals – one in each half.
The Australian international has previously played for Brisbane Roar, making a total of 75 appearances and scoring on 18 occasions in the W-League – now branded as A-League Women.
Team News
Gareth Taylor has provided an update on the availability of his players.
After missing the cup tie against Leicester, Demi Stokes is back in contention to return to the squad after a successful training session.
The midweek fixture saw some more positive signs for City regarding their injury crisis, as they welcomed back Keira Walsh for the first time since recovering from a calf strain.
City will also be boosted by the return of Alanna Kennedy and Ruby Mace after they were ineligible to play in the cup game.
Embed from Getty ImagesHowever, summer signing Vicky Losada is a doubt heading into the match after it was revealed she picked up an ankle injury during the 6-0 win over the Foxes.
The defensive trio of Esme Morgan, Steph Houghton and Lucy Bronze are all unavailable for the weekend.
Morgan is still recovering from a lower leg fracture she picked up during the 2-1 loss against Tottenham Hotspur.
Houghton sustained an ankle injury whilst on international duty which has kept her out of the squad. The latest update suggests she will be sidelined for a few weeks, given she is still using crutches for support.
Embed from Getty ImagesBronze is still working her way back from a recent knee operation and there has been no time scale for her return.
Goalkeeping duo Ellie Roebuck and Karen Bardsley are also unavailable for the match.
Roebuck has not made an appearance this season due to a calf strain but has since suffered a setback during her rehabilitation keeping her out for a bit longer.
Her fellow goalkeeper has had a successful surgery on her tendon. There is no time scale provided for her return.
West Ham
The Hammers will be without Arsenal loanee Lisa Evans after she sustained an injury whilst on international duty with Scotland.
Grace Fisk and Maisy Barker are also unavailable for selection after picking up a quad and foot injuries respectively.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhere to watch
The match will be streamed live via the FA Player service. This will be available for UK viewers to access, as well as international supporters.
Manchester City will also be showing the game live on their CITY+ site, this is a subscription service only.
The game will kick off on Sunday, October 3rd at 2pm BST.
