West Ham United Women face Manchester City in their first Barclays Women’s Super League fixture of 2023, as fifth takes on fourth in east London on Sunday.
The Hammers are looking to secure two league wins on the bounce having beaten Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in their final fixture of 2022, a victory over Sunday’s opponent would also be the Irons’ sixth of the league season.
But a tough test awaits for Paul Konchesky’s side. Manchester City, who finished third in the WSL in 2021/22, visits Chigwell Construction Stadium and head to east London in form, with four wins in their last five league games.
West Ham has also only beaten Gareth Taylor’s side just once in previous meetings, back in October 2021. A second historic win over City could take the Irons to one point off the top four, although they will have to stop an in-form side, who look to be back at their best.
As that previous win came in Manchester, the Hammers seek a first triumph over this opponent on home soil, and here’s everything you need to know about as City head to east London….
Tickets...
Tickets are still available for West Ham United Women's home Barclays Women's Super League fixture with Manchester City!
Tickets will also be available from the Ticket Office at Chigwell Construction Stadium on the day, priced from as little as £13 for Adults and £5 for Juniors!
How to follow…
West Ham United Women's fixture against Manchester City in the Barclays Women's Super League has been selected for TV coverage.
The fixture will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with kick-off for the clash against the Citizens at 6:45pm GMT.
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…
In his pre-match press conference, Paul Konchesky confirmed he is relishing having almost a fully fit squad to select from for Manchester City.
“We’ve got the majority of our players fit,” he stated. “We’ve got one long-term injury in Jess Ziu but, other than that, we’re close to having everyone fit.
“That’s going to be a nice selection headache for me, because it will probably be the first time that I’ve had the majority of my squad to pick from. It’s a nice problem to have though, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Team news will be available to view at 2pm on Sunday on whufc.com and on our social media channels.
The Opposition…
Manchester City have found their form heading into 2023. A run of six straight wins in the Barclays Women’s Super League may have concluded with a draw to Manchester United in December, but the club are fourth in the WSL as it stands and heading back to their best.
Throughout 2022, City scored goals for fun. Four or more goals on 14 occasions. And 115 times in 36 matches across the calendar year. As such, the club battled to a top-three finish in 2021/22 and look to challenge for UEFA Women’s Champions League qualification this term.
Ahead of the 2022/23 season, City saw many departures. Manchester City forward and West Ham fan Ellen White retired. Jill Scott and Karen Bardsley also hung up their boots. A host of experienced heads left for Europe too. Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh joined Barcelona, while Georgia Stanway’s headed to Bayern Munich.
Suddenly, City was a team in transition. And they have taken that challenge in their stride. Gareth Taylor’s side has impressed in recent weeks with Leicester City, Everton, Reading, Brighton & Hove Albion, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur all swept aside by City as 2023 approached.
In east London, the Hammers face a tough task. But West Ham will take confidence from a 2-0 away win in October 2021. They will hope to repeat the feat on home turf for the first time today.
Travel…
Fans attending Sunday’s fixture at Chigwell Construction Stadium should note that parking is not available at the ground, so supporters are advised to make use of public transport.
If you are driving to the ground from the north, leave the M25 at Junction 27 and take the M11 towards London. At the end of the M11 continue onto the A406 towards Docklands (A13) and London City Airport. At the intersection with the A13, turn onto this road in the direction of the Dartford Crossing.
At the junction with the A1306, leave the A13 and join the A1306 towards Dagenham. At the third set of traffic lights turn left just before the McDonalds into Ballards Road. At the end of this road, you will come to a large roundabout.
Turn left and proceed up Rainham Road South, passing Dagenham East tube station on the left and Victoria Road is a quarter of a mile further on, on the same side of the road.
If driving to the ground from the south, leave the M25 at Junction 31 and take the A13 towards Central London. Exit the A13 onto the slip road, signposted Dagenham/Dagenham East. At the end of the slip road at the double roundabout turn right, then go under the A13. At the T-junction turn left onto the A1306. At the second set of lights turn right onto the B178.
At the end of this road you will come to a large roundabout. Turn left and proceed up Rainham Road South, passing Dagenham East tube station on the left and Victoria Road is a quarter of a mile further on, on the same side of the road.
If you are planning to travel to the match using London Underground, please be mindful of engineering work that is taking place on the District line on Sunday.
There will be no service between Plaistow and Upminster. Replacement buses will operate, and supporters are advised to check their journeys before travel, with resources such as TfL's Journey Planner or the TfL Go app helping to plan your journey.
Supporters may also wish to visit the National Rail website to plan their journey if travelling on the rail network.
