Chelsea have had no time to celebrate their Women’s FA Cup win at the weekend, with the Blues going straight back into WSL action against West Ham this week.
This is Chelsea’s outstanding game in hand on current league leaders Manchester United and they will go top of the standings with even just a point here, although Emma Hayes would prefer all three.
West Ham, meanwhile, have had a disappointing season and will likely end up closer to the relegation zone than the top half, which wasn’t their ambition when the campaign began.
When is kick off? Wednesday 17 May, 20:15 (BST)
Where is the match being played? Chigwell Construction Stadium
What time does TV coverage start in the UK? 20:00 (BST)
Referee? Louise Saunders
Country |
TV channel/live stream |
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UK |
Sky Sports Premier League/Mix |
USA |
Paramount+ |
International |
FA Player |
Abbey-Leigh Stringer remains a doubt, with Jessica Ziu a long-term absentee. One highlight for Hammers fans could be another chance for 16-year-old Princess Ademiluyi, who made her senior debut in the recent defeat to Brighton.
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So soon after the FA Cup final and with what is likely to be a much tougher game against Arsenal to come at the weekend, Hayes could be tempted to rotate.
That could mean starts for the likes of Jelena Cankovic, Jess Carter, Zecira Musovic and even a return from the beginning for Kadeisha Buchanan after her recent injury. The same could be true of Pernille Harder, but she might also be better saved for Arsenal given her impact at Wembley.
Millie Bright’s knee was still strapped up as she watched in the final, with Fran Kirby also out.
Even with rotation likely, Chelsea are getting hot at the right time. The win over Manchester United at Wembley was a different kind of performance than the 7-0 and 6-0 wins over Everton and Leicester respectively they have had in recent weeks, but will boost confidence even more.
West Ham haven’t won a WSL game this year and have conceded 10 goals in their last two outings against top four opposition (Manchester United and Manchester City). Chelsea, despite going behind early in the reverse fixture, were also comfortable 3-1 winners last time these teams met.
Prediction: West Ham 0-3 Chelsea
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