West Ham United welcome Reading to the Chigwell Construction Stadium on Sunday looking for their first win of the campaign.
Both sides are back in action after having had an extended rest period after the international break and the FA Cup 2019 games which neither side were involved in. West Ham will be sporting a special pink kit in support of Breast Cancer awareness which can be purchased from their website with all funds going straight to charity.
It’s been a tough start for Matt Beard’s side who faced heavy defeat to Arsenal in their last WSL game falling 9-1 at the first game at their new home. Kenza Dali landed a consolation strike but influential captain Gilly Flaherty saw red. They started the season with a 1-1 draw away at Tottenham Hotspur with Adriana Leon on the scoresheet.
Meanwhile, the Royals have started a little better. They also faced a heavy defeat to Arsenal falling 6-1 on the opening day. Danielle Carter was on target against her old side netting a late consolation at Borehamwood. They responded positive however with a crushing 3-1 victory over Aston Villa in their first game since announcing the Madejski as their permanent home. Amalie Eikeland, Lauren Bruton and Fara Williams all opened their season accounts for Kelly Chambers side.
There will be familiar faces for the Royals as both Maz Pacheco and Mia Cruickshank look set to face their former side. The defensive duo made the switch to East London after leaving the Royals ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.
LAST TIME THEY MET
It was an eventful encounter at Rush Green as ten-player Reading came from behind to snatch an unlikely victory. Katharina Baunach opened the scoring for the Hammers before Reading’s Rachel Rowe saw red just before half time. Leanne Kiernan doubled West Ham’s lead before Kristine Bjordal Leine and Brooke Chaplen netted within two minutes of each other to even the tie. Jade Moore completed the turnaround to give the Royals a 3-2 victory in the WSL.
TEAM NEWS
West Ham face a list of absentees with Flaherty suspended and Martha Thomas and Hawa Cissoko sidelined through injury. Both Filippa Wallen and Jacynta Galabadaarachichi confirmed moves away from the club over the last few weeks. Reading have a fully fit squad available for selction after Brooke Chaplen has returned to training.
TIME: 15:00 Sunday 4th October, Chigwell Community Stadium, Dagenham.
(Available to watch on FA Player)
Below we take a look at the key players for the two sides so far this campaign:
West Ham United
ONE TO WATCH: ADRIANA LEON (FW) – POINTS 8 (£35,000)
The Canadian international striker netted the first goal of the season for the Hammers as they drew 1-1 with Tottenham. An impressive solo effort with Leon having the quality to repeat the feat this weekend after a frustrating game last time out picking a yellow card before being substituted.
UNDER THE RADAR – KENZA DALI (MF) – POINTS 8 (£27,500)
Dali has recently returned from international duty with France so benefits from the consistent play. She should be 100% fit and after scoring in the 9-1 defeat to Arsenal will be looking to put performances right. Without captain, Gilly Flaherty, the 31-year-old midfielder will be expected to step up and lead the side as one of their senior players.
FANTASY BUDGET – GRACE FISK (DF) – POINTS 2 (£15,000)
Fisk has recently returned from England training camp, putting in two impressive performances from centre half in the in-house England games. A tough start to the campaign with an own goal on the opening day, Fisk is a regular starter at the back for the Hammers since joining in January. Without Flaherty, Fisk will need to step up and prove her worth. £15,000 for a starting player is a ShePlays fantasy league steal.
UNLIKELY TO PLAY*: Gilly Flaherty (Suspension), Hawa Cissoko (Injury), Martha Thomas (Ankle Injury).
Reading
ONE TO WATCH – AMALIE EIKELAND (FW) – POINTS 22 (£40,000)
The Norweigan forward has returned from international duty where she faced four of her club teammates playing against Wales. Eikeland has started the season strong, being the Royals first choice striker over the two games so far. She was arguably player of the match against Aston Villa opening her season account. With Carter and Bruton also in the frame, it looks like a dangerous front three.
UNDER THE RADAR – LAUREN BRUTON (FW) – POINTS 11 (£20,000)
After a lengthy period out through injury, Lauren Bruton has worked her way back into the Royals starting line-up. She faced her first 90 minutes last weekend registering her first goal of the season. With competition from Carter, Eikeland and the returning Brooke Chaplen, Bruton will be needing a high standard performance. The one disadvantage for fantasy managers, may be the fact she has a two from two record…. of yellow cards this season…
FANTASY BUDGET – MOLLY BARTRIP (DF) – POINTS 6 (£17,500)
Another Royal who is returning from a long period on the sidelines, Bartrip has been ever present at the back this season. Playing at either centre back or right back, a £17,500 price tag for a regular starter is worth keeping an eye on ShePlays fantasy managers.
UNLIKELY TO PLAY*: No suspensions or injury concerns to report.
Written by Ben Waite (Follow on Twitter at @etiawneb for regular WSL updates!)
*Please note, all information we have may not be 100% accurate
You can view and updated absence list here and an updated transfer list here.