West Ham United Women are in Barclays FA Women’s Super League action on Sunday afternoon, as they travel to the Pirelli Stadium to take on Leicester City.
The Hammers will be looking to pick up a win on against the Foxes the eve of the international break – and a win could see them break into the top five, if results go their way.
And with the men’s team also facing off against Leicester, both sides will be hoping that they can celebrate a win when the full-time whistle sounds.
How to Watch
You can watch the match between Leicester City and West Ham United live on the FA Player, with coverage beginning just before the scheduled 2pm kick-off.
Team News
Olli Harder will not have his entire squad to choose from for the trip to Staffordshire.
Adriana Leon, Maisy Barker and Grace Garrad are all long-term absentees, but we’re happy to report that all are making good progress with their respective recoveries.
Lisa Evans came off injured in the 2-1 victory over Aston Villa – and is not expected to be involved at the Pirelli Stadium.
Abbey-Leigh Stringer is also unavailable for selection, having picked up a fifth yellow card of the season against Villa, so will therefore sit out of the game against the Foxes.
Further team news will be available to view at 1pm on Sunday afternoon, an hour before kick-off.
The Opposition
Leicester City may well be fighting for their lives down near the bottom of the table, but three wins in their last five WSL matches shows that they are making small steps in their first ever season in the top-flight.
After long-standing manager, Jonathan Morgan left the club in the middle of Novemeber, England youth coach, Lydia Bedford was appointed manager and has already set about putting her stamp on the team.
Bedford has extensive experience coaching with the England girls youth teams. She was most recently lead coach for the U17s, as well as overseeing the development of other ages groups, where she has developed qualities and techniques to help in her first senior role.
West Ham secured their biggest win of the season in the first fixture between the two sides, as Tameka Yallop scored on her debut for the club to help guide the Hammers to a 4-0 win at the Chigwell Construction Stadium.
The Hammers will be looking to win consecutive away games in the WSL for the first time since December 2018.
Ones to Watch
Shannon O’Brien: A 20-year-old forward who has recently been called up to the England U23s squad – her first international call-up. O’Brien has played 13 times for the Foxes this season, scoring and assisting once.
Freya Gregory: Gregory joined Leicester in January, on loan from fellow WSL side Aston Villa. The midfielder has recently been called up to the England U19 squad, and will be the main creative force for her side.
Molly Pike: Pike joined Leicester in the summer after leaving Everton, and since then has become a key component of the Foxes’ attacking play. Capped twice at England U23 level, Pike has previously been on the books of Chelsea and also spent time on loan at Bristol City last season.
Final Reminder
West Ham United Women take on Leicester City at the Pirelli Stadium on Sunday 13 February 2022, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm.
You can watch the match live on the FA Player.
Tickets are also available to purchase by clicking here.