Everton Women and West Ham United Women are both in search of their first Women’s Super League victory of the season as they face off this Sunday. The Toffees are currently at the bottom of the standings, while the Hammers sit just above the relegation zone on goal difference.
Match Preview:
Everton Women have endured a tough start to the 2024-25 season, suffering defeats in their opening two league matches against Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United. A slight boost came in their Women’s League Cup fixture, where they earned a bonus point after a 1-1 draw and penalty shootout win over Newcastle United.
Last Sunday, Everton showed resilience with a strong defensive performance to secure a goalless draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, their first clean sheet of the season. However, the result means that Everton are still the only side in the WSL yet to score a goal this term. As they prepare to face West Ham, they’ll be looking to rediscover their scoring touch and extend their winning streak to four consecutive victories against the Hammers.
West Ham United, meanwhile, are in the midst of a difficult spell, going 12 WSL matches without a win. After starting the season with a 3-0 loss to Manchester United, the Hammers salvaged a point in a 1-1 draw with Liverpool thanks to a late goal. They also flexed their attacking muscles in the Women’s League Cup with a 6-1 thrashing of second-tier Portsmouth. However, a recent 2-0 defeat to Manchester City marked their sixth loss in seven WSL away games.
West Ham’s hopes for their first away league win since February are dampened by their poor record at Everton, having not won at Goodison Park since October 2018.
Team News:
Everton Women:
Everton will be without defender Elise Stenevik, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury until Christmas. The team is also missing key players Aurora Galli, Inma Gabarro, and Kenzie Weir, all recovering from ACL injuries. Denmark international Karen Holmgaard is making progress but is unlikely to be available for the weekend.
West Ham United Women:
Hammers boss Rehanne Skinner confirmed that Kristie Mewis will miss the match due to a calf injury. However, defender Kirsty Smith is set to return to the matchday squad after recovering from a shoulder injury. Seraina Piubel, who came on as a substitute against Manchester City, could be in line for her first WSL start.
Predicted Lineups:
Everton Women:
Brosnan; Hope, Vanhaevermaet, Finnigan; Payne, Hayashi, Wheeler, S. Holmgaard; Sarri, Olesen, Snoeijs
West Ham United Women:
Szemik; Li, Tysiak, Saez, Zadorsky; Denton, Brynjarsdottir, Gorry, Piubel; Asseyi, Ueki
Both Everton and West Ham will view this clash as a prime opportunity to secure their first league win of the season. Everton’s recent head-to-head dominance, winning the last three meetings, combined with West Ham’s poor away form, gives the Toffees the edge. We predict that Everton will continue their winning run against the Hammers.
Prediction: Everton 1-0 West Ham United
