West Ham United Women vs Chelsea Women. Women's Super League.
Victoria RoadAttendance1,735.
West Ham host Women's Super League champions Chelsea on Thursday night, live on Sky Sports Premier League and Football from 7.30pm; kick-off 7.45pm
Thursday 10 March 2022 20:27, UK
Team news and stats for Thursday night's Women's Super League clash between West Ham and Chelsea, live on Sky Sports.
West Ham are expected to be without Maisy Barker and Grace Garrad for the clash with Chelsea because of injury.
Chelsea defender Magdalena Eriksson is unavailable after contracting Covid-19, Canada international Jessie Fleming remains doubtful after her recent positive test, while forward Fran Kirby is still not fit.
Meanwhile, midfielder Melanie Leupolz will not feature in fixtures for the rest of the season having announced her pregnancy and will be supported by the club during her maternity leave.
Blues boss Emma Hayes said: "Across our league we have put in place good provision and of course we will support her in absolutely everything we do - and I am just looking forward to seeing the little one come around to be honest."
Chelsea boss Emma Hayes hopes her squad will have learned from the disappointment of defeat in the Continental Cup final as they look to keep their Women's Super League title challenge on course against West Ham.
The Blues were beaten 3-1 by Manchester City at the Cherry Red Records Stadium on Saturday evening, having taken a first-half lead through Sam Kerr. Arsenal made the most of their opportunity in league action on Sunday to move eight points clear at the top of the WSL table after beating bottom-club Birmingham. Chelsea, though, have three matches in hand and Hayes remains determined to move forward taking a positive mindset into the remainder of the campaign.
"You don't get much time (to dwell), it has been like that all year with game after game, which is a good thing," Hayes said.
"Of course, it is disappointing to lose, but as long as we are picking up the lessons from it. I see very much an opportunity tomorrow against a team that I really rate. I am just looking forward to games on the bounce, personally I like them thick and fast and we don't harbour defeats much in here.
"We have never been first (in the table) so for us, there is never a feeling of we have lost something, we only have something to gain. I don't feel like the situation is any different. We just have to focus one game at a time. This week it is West Ham, let's get three points if we can and if we do, then we move closer towards what we are trying to achieve."
West Ham tackle Chelsea in what is the first of four matches in the space of 10 days, which also includes the FA Cup quarter-final at third-tier Ipswich.
Irons midfielder Mel Filis maintains Olli Harder's squad will be ready to meet the challenges head on.
"Olli has spoken to us about it. We have the run of four games in the short space of time then we need everyone to be at our collective best," Filis told West Ham TV.
"It is going to be tough, but we have got a resilient group. We are very together, and we will help each other through. I am sure we will get the results we want and need."
Sky Sports - All 35 games will be available across Sky Sports' flagship channels, including Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.
Sky Sports digital - Follow all the latest from the WSL across SkySpots.com and app, including exclusive features and interviews, plus dedicated live blog coverage and in-game clips from games live on Sky Sports. You can watch free match highlights from every WSL game this season on Sky Sports' digital platforms and YouTube channel.
Sky Sports News - Running 24 hours a day, seven days a week Barclays FA WSL fans can enjoy Sky Sports News (channel 409) rolling editorial coverage of the league and its storylines throughout the season.
Inside the WSL - Hosted by award-winning broadcaster and journalist Jessica Creighton, Inside the WSL is a comprehensive round-up of all things Barclays FA Women's Super League and women's football. Airing weekly from Thursday, September 9 on Sky Sports Premier League, the half an hour show will review and preview matches, include in-depth analysis and exclusive player interviews. Viewers can expect gripping behind the scenes access as well as a summary of all the action both on and off the pitch.
Sky Sports Social - Alongside coverage and visibility for the league across all Sky Sports' main social media channels, a new bespoke Twitter channel @SkySportsWSL will be the home of all Barclays FA WSL content on Sky Sports.
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