Women's Preview: West Ham v Manchester United
Manchester United Women once again make the journey to London, as Casey Stoney’s side travel to West Ham in search of another Women’s Super League win.
As we prepare for our second trip to the capital in a week and the match versus the Hammers, here is all you need to know…
Stoney: The levels have gone up
Casey Stoney says her United squad have improved but warns West Ham will be difficult opponents...
Yes, the match will be shown live on BBC Red Button, the BBC iPlayer and the FA Player in the UK. Kick-off time at the Rush Green Stadium is 12:30 BST on Sunday.
The full 90 minutes will also be available to watch on MUTV at 14:30 BST. MUTV is the only place to get exclusive access to your club 24/7, with live shows as well as a range of features, available on-demand. With one subscription, you can access our official channel wherever and whenever you want.
FORM GUIDE
United have had a great start to the WSL season. The 1-1 draw with last year’s champions Chelsea in the opening round has been followed up with consecutive wins against Birmingham City (5-2), Brighton & Hove Albion (3-0) and Tottenham (1-0). Millie Turner got the winner last time out
West Ham, on the other hand, are sitting in 10th place and are without a win in the WSL this season. The Hammers started their campaign with a 1-1 draw away to Spurs but have lost the last three, including a 9-1 defeat to Arsenal and a 1-0 loss to Reading before Everton beat them 3-1 in their last match.
HEAD TO HEAD
United Women have faced West Ham twice before but only once in the WSL, as last season came to an early close due to COVID-19. In that league fixture, the Reds fell short and lost 3-2 in London with Kirsty Hanson and Lauren James scoring for Stoney's side.
However, we beat the Hammers 2-0 in the quarter-finals of the 2018/19 Continental Tyres Cup, thanks to an own goal and a Jess Sigsworth strike.
England call excites Ella
Ella Toone reacts to her international selection and previews MU Women's away clash with West Ham...
TEAM NEWS
Last time out, Katie Zelem made her first league appearance since recovering from COVID-19, while recent signings Tobin Heath and Christen Press both started in the competition for the first time. Against Spurs, Lotta Okvist and Sigsworth both returned to the bench after recovering from injury and might be in contention to face the Hammers from kick-off. James, Ona Batlle, Ivana Fuso and Martha Harris were not in Stoney’s squad in our last match.
For West Ham, Martha Thoma and Hawa Cissoko have been absent all season and Cho So-hyun, Laura Vetterlein and Katerina Svitkova all missed last weekend’s encounter with Everton. Hammers boss Matt Beard is hoping to have a fully fit squad after the international break, which follows Sunday’s match.
WHO ELSE IS IN ACTION?
In addition to West Ham v United, there are five other games in the WSL this Sunday. League leaders Arsenal face Spurs in a North London derby and Manchester City travel to the Madejski Stadium to take on Reading.
Aston Villa v Chelsea has been postponed due to a Villa player testing positive for COVID-19 and several team-mates having to isolate for 14 days.
Sunday 18 October
West Ham United v MANCHESTER UNITED (12:30 BST)
Everton v Brighton & Hove Albion (13:00 BST)
Reading v Manchester City (14:00 BST)
Bristol City v Birmingham City (14:00 BST)
Charlton Athletic v Coventry City (14:00 BST)
Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur (14:00 BST)
Aston Villa v Chelsea (Postponed)
Our 2020/21 home, away and third kits are available now from United Direct.