Match Preview: West Ham United Women.

It’s been a memorable few days for City as they won their first league game of the season followed by a semi-final win in the FA Continental Cup, sending Matt Beard’s side into the finals of the competition for the first time in their history. 

Victory for the Robins against the East London side will take them above the Hammers and off the foot of the table

Last time out: 

A debut goal from Kiera Skeels booked City’s place in the FA Continental Tyres Cup final as the Robins defeated Leicester City 1-0 at Twerton Park.

It was a relatively tight encounter between the Robins and the Championship leaders who put up a good fight, but their hard work was undone by Skeels' second-half header which proved to be the decisive goal. 

City will now travel to Vicarage Road to face Chelsea in the final after their 6-0 win over West Ham in the earlier semi-final.

Form: 

Bristol City Women

Last five games: WWLWL

City have started 2020 on the front foot, winning three of four games in all competitions since the turn of the new year.

Wins in the knockout stages of the Conti Cup versus Aston Villa and Leicester sustained their 100% win record in the cup, and the victory against Brighton and Hove Albion last Saturday gave the Robins their first league victory of the season. 

Beard will be looking to make it three wins on the bounce for City as he gears up his side to face his former team.

West Ham United 

Last five games: LLWLWL

It’s been a difficult season so far for the Hammers, with Olli Harder’s side sitting two points off the Robins and second bottom in the WSL. 

West Ham found some good fortune in the FA Continental Tyres Cup this season as they made it to the semi-final but were stopped in their tracks by Chelsea who breezed past the Irons with a 6-0 win. 

There have been no goals scored in the last two league games for West Ham, their last Barclays AFWSL victory being in the reverse fixture in December.

Memory Lane:

• 13th December, 2020
• Bristol City Women 0-4 West Ham United
• Twerton Park

It was one to forget for City last time out as they fell to a 4-0 defeat against the Hammers.

The visitors took an early lead when Yana Daniels attempted clearance rebounded off the back of Jemma Purfield and into the net.

Emily Van Egmond volleyed in Rachel Daly’s cross to double their side’s lead before the two combined again minutes later – Daly this time heading in Van Egmond’s cross. 

Martha Thomas finished off a great afternoon for West Ham when she drilled into the bottom corner from the edge of the box, a result which sent West Ham five points clear of the Robins at the time.  

One to watch: Emily Van Egmond

The Australian joined West Ham on loan in the summer transfer window from Orlando Pride, and the midfielder committed her future at the Hammers in the January transfer window as she signed a permanent deal.

Van Egmond put in a player of the match performance last time out against the Robins with her goal and assist playing a major part in their 4-0 win.

The midfielder has made 97 appearances for Australia as well as playing in three World Cups for her country, so the Irons' top goal scorer this season will be hoping her experience can help her side in their relegation battle.

Where to watch:

Supporters can watch Bristol City Women take on West Ham United live via the FA Player this afternoon (3PM KO)