Matt Beard knows his West Ham United team will need to show their absolute best to take three points from Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
The Irons line up against the Seagulls this weekend, live on the FA Player, looking for a third successive victory in all competitions.
Having seen his side comfortably beat Reading before showing their resilience to comeback and win at Birmingham City, Beard believes West Ham will need to display a combination of those characteristics to win at home to Brighton.
We know Brighton & Hove Albion will be a tricky opponent and, once again, we will need to be at our absolute best to take three points.
Matt Beard
“We come into this game in good form, having won our last two matches in all competitions,” the head coach writes in his pre-match Programme column: “We showed different qualities in each game, taking our chances at home to Reading in the Continental League Cup, before displaying a lot of character and resolve to battle back and get three points at Birmingham City.
West Ham United face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Barclays FA Women's Super League on Sunday 15 November at 12:30pm, live on the FA Player. For more information on how to use the FA Player, click here to download our helpful 'how to' guide!
“We highlighted the four fixtures in November, at the start of the month, as four games that we felt our team had the quality to take maximum points from. It is pleasing to be at the half-way point with six points from six, and now we have two more matches in which we want to take victories.
“Brighton have proven themselves to be a difficult side to break down. Just ask Manchester City or Everton, who both drew at home with the Seagulls this season. We know they will be a tricky opponent and, once again, we will need to be at our absolute best to take three points.”
Sunday’s visitors will be without their manager, Hope Powell, or members of her backroom team, as they follow government guidance and self-isolate after a positive COVID-19 test in their camp last week.
Beard has paid tribute to his Brighton counterpart and her staff, and hopes they all return to work safe, well and healthy.
He added: “I would like to make special mention of Brighton manager, Hope Powell, assistant manager Amy Merricks, and the other members of the Brighton & Hove Albion backroom staff who are unfortunately unable to be here for this game.
“Due to a positive COVID-19 test, they are currently self-isolating, in accordance with the government guidelines, and the West Ham United players, coaching staff and I would like to send our very best wishes to Hope and her team.
“We look forward to their safe and swift return to the Brighton dugout in the very near future.”
