West Ham United Women could reach the knockout stages of the Continental Tyres League Cup if they can avoid defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday evening.
The Hammers travel to Broadfield Stadium knowing that Group C is in their hands, as they look to reach the quarter-finals of the competition for the third successive year.
Having lost to Manchester City in the Barclays Women's Super League on Sunday in their first match since returning from the festive break, Paul Konchesky’s team will be eager to bounce back as focus temporarily switches away from league action.
Having beaten Birmingham City in the competition back in November, whilst also beating London City Lionesses on penalties in the opening fixture, the Irons are aiming for a strong finish and advancement from Group C without issue.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the contest…
Tickets…
Tickets are still available for West Ham United Women’s away Continental Tyres League Cup fixture with Brighton & Hove Albion!
Click here to purchase your tickets from Brighton's Official Ticketing site now!
Tickets are priced at £8 for Adults and £4 for 65+/Under 18s.
How to follow…
The only way to watch the Hammers in action on Wednesday evening will be to be in the crowd at Broadfield Stadium.
You can also follow the action across our social media channels, while highlights and exclusive reactions will follow after the final whistle on whufc.com.
Team News…
Wednesday evening could see new signing Amber Tysiak make her West Ham United debut. The defender joined from Oud-Heverlee Leuven last week and adds competition at centre-back.
Emma Snerle made her comeback from a long injury layoff when she came off the bench against Manchester City, and the midfielder will be hoping to earn her first start since April 2022 on Wednesday.
Jess Ziu remains the only Hammer to be sidelined, with the Republic of Ireland midfielder continuing with her rehabilitation after sustaining an ACL injury against London City Lionesses back in October.
The Opposition…
Brighton & Hove Albion’s new boss, Jens Scheuer did not make the start that he would have wanted to his tenure last weekend.
The new Seagulls boss, who has previously coached FC Bayern Munich Frauen and SC Freiburg Frauen in the women’s Bundesliga saw his side beaten 3-0 by bottom of the table Leicester City, who had been winless in the league up until Sunday's game.
It’s been a season of real transition for Brighton, who parted company with long-serving manager Hope Powell in October. Scheuer will be hoping that it does not take long for him to implement his own brand of football down on the south coast, as he looks to steer the team away from relegation fears.
One of Brighton’s two victories in the league this season came against West Ham United. A nine-goal thriller at Chigwell Construction Stadium in early November saw them come out with a 5-4 win, with Danielle Carter scoring a brace. The former Arsenal and Reading forward is their top scorer in all competitions this season with four goals.
New boss Scheuer has wasted no time in terms of shaping his team, with four new players already through the door since the January transfer window opened.
Guro Bergsvand and Dejana Stefanović joined from Norwegian sides SK Brann and Vålerenga respectively, which former Hammer Brianna Visalli has returned to the WSL after three seasons with NWSL side Houston Dash.
Young defender, Zoe Morse has also made the hop across the pond, as she makes the move from Chicago Red Stars to round off their early business in January.
Brighton head into Wednesday’s game in 3rd position in Group C. Having lost their opening match away to Birmingham City whilst under the stewardship of Powell, interim boss, Amy Merricks guided them to victory against London City Lionesses in their previous Conti Cup outing.
The Seagulls know that only a win will be good enough to see them advance into the knockout stage, with the Seagulls two points behind the Hammers heading into the game.
West Ham United Women are back at home on Sunday 5 February, when they welcome Arsenal to Chigwell Construction Stadium. Purchase your tickets for the match by clicking on the graphic below!
