Women

Reading Women v West Ham United - All You Need To Know

21st April 2022

Reading v West Ham United Women
Barclays FA Women's Super League
Select Car Leasing Stadium
Sunday 24 April 2022

West Ham United Women are back in Barclays FA Women’s Super League (WSL) action on Sunday afternoon, as they travel to the Select Car Leasing Stadium to take on Reading.

The Hammers are looking to bounce back after a run of three straight defeats in all competitions – with their most recent coming against Manchester City in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup semi-final.

And after a run of three successive matches at home, the Irons will be hoping to get back to winning ways against the Royals on their own turf.

How to Watch

Tickets for Sunday’s match are available to purchase from Reading on their website.

If you can't attend the match in-person, then the game will be streamed live on the FA Player, which you can watch for free. Coverage begins around five minutes before the scheduled kick-off time of 2pm BST.

We will also be bringing you live Twitter updates, as well as exclusive reaction to follow after the full-time whistle right here on whufc.com.

Team News

Olli Harder will be hoping to have most of his squad available for selection when they travel to Berkshire on Sunday.

Anna Leat was missing from the teamsheet in the defeat to Manchester City, with the New Zealander currently on the sidelines due to a foot injury. She is unlikely to be available for selection against the Royals.

Maisy Barker continues to make good progress with her recovery from a long-term injury, but this contest will come too soon for the young defender.

Team news will be revealed at 1pm BST on Sunday, an hour before kick-off, on our social media channels and whufc.com.

Olli Harder will be without Anna Leat and Maisy Barker for the trip to Berkshire

The Opposition

Reading’s form has stagnated since they were defeated by the Hammers in the fifth round of the FA Cup at the end of February. After a run of tough matches, which included games against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City – Reading have only picked up two points from their last six matches in the WSL, only scoring twice during this period.

It’s a stark contrast to their form midway through the season, which saw them go on a nine-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

Although Kelly Chambers’ side find themselves far away from the relegation picture, they will be hoping that their form improves as they reach the climax of the season.

The Royals suffered a blow during the international break, as it was confirmed that Emma Harries will miss the remainder of the campaign after picking up a serious injury whilst away with the England U23s.

Ones to Watch

Deanne Rose: The 23-year-old Canadian has had an explosive first season in the WSL. Rose has 66 caps for her country, an impressive number considering her relatively young age. The former Florida Gators winger has scored 4 goals for Reading in the league this season.

Natasha Dowie: Dowie has scored six goals on 14 matches for the Royals since returning to the top level of English football. The experienced 33-year-old forward has experience of playing in several top league across the league, and most recently turned out for AC Milan before her move back to England.

Rachel Rowe: The 29-year-old has been with Reading since 2015, and signed a new three-year contract in March 2021. Rowe has 26 caps for Wales, and this season, has been involved for the Royals heavily in recent weeks after returning from injury.

Deanne Rose in action for Canada against England

Looking back

On West Ham United's last league visit to the Select Car Leasing Stadium, Harder's side secured a 5-0 win, their biggest ever in the WSL - three important points which helped them secure their place in the top division.

Watch highlights from the win on 3 April 2021 in the player below!