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Women's Super League | Gameweek 5
Nov 5, 2023 at 3pm UK
Chigwell Construction Stadium

West Ham
2 - 3
Bristol Women

Asseyi (27' pen.), Ueki (45+3')
FT(HT: 2-2)
Thestrup (32'), Powell (37'), Aspin (55')
Napier (5'), Furness (17'), Harrison (80'), Connolly (90+2')

Preview: West Ham United Women vs. Bristol City Women - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Sunday's Women's Super League clash between West Ham United Women and Bristol City Women, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Newly-promoted Bristol City Women will look to claim their first points of the season when they travel to London for Sunday's meeting with West Ham United Women.

While the visitors are propping up the Women's Super League table, the Hammers are sitting in eighth place with four points to their name.


Match preview

Tottenham Hotspur Women head coach Rehanne Skinner pictured on November 20, 2022© Reuters

After succeeding Paul Konchesky in the summer, Rehanne Skinner has made a steady start to her tenure as West Ham boss.

The campaign began with a 2-0 defeat to Man City, before the Hammers bounced back with victories over Brighton & Hove Albion and Charlton Athletic in the WSL and League Cup respectively.

Although they were stopped in their tracks by a loss to Chelsea, West Ham managed to avoid a second straight defeat after Riko Ueki netted a stoppage-time equaliser to ensure that their home meeting with Liverpool finished as a 1-1 draw.

Despite scoring a late leveller against the Reds, West Ham will still be determined to improve in the final third, having registered three goals in four league games - only Everton have scored fewer.

The Hammers are also hoping for better fortunes on home turf, as they look to end their eight-game winless home run in the WSL.

Bristol City Women's Rachel Furness celebrates scoring their first goal with Amalie Thestrup on October 22, 2023© Reuters

Bristol City have found it tough going since returning to the top flight following a two-season spell in the second tier.

They were beaten by Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur in their opening two league fixtures, before they suffered a heavy 5-0 loss to Manchester City on matchday three.

Although they fell to another defeat against Arsenal in their most recent outing, the Robins would have taken confidence from their battling display.

Rachel Furness levelled the scoring after Katie McCabe had netted a seventh-minute opener, and the Republic of Ireland international registered her second of the game just before the hour mark to condemn Bristol City to a narrow 1-0 loss.

Having conceded 14 goals this season, Lauren Smith's side will be targeting a strong defensive display when they face West Ham for the first time since February 2021.

West Ham United Women Women's Super League form:


West Ham United Women form (all competitions):
  • D
  • L
  • W
  • W
  • L
  • D

Bristol City Women Women's Super League form:


Bristol City Women form (all competitions):
  • L
  • L
  • L
  • L
  • L


Team News

West Ham United Women players huddle before the match on April 23, 2023© Reuters

The Hammers are expected to line up with a back three featuring Kirsty Smith, Hawa Cissoko and Shannon Cooke.

After coming off the bench at half time against Liverpool, Melisa Filis could be presented with a starting opportunity.

Having scored two goals in her four league appearances, Ueki will look to add to her tally when she leads the line against the Robins.

As for the visitors, they are expected to be without the services of Fran Bentley and Jesse Woolley, who are both working their way back from injury.

Abi Harrison, who has missed the last five matches, is closing in on a return to fitness, but it remains to be seen whether she will be involved against the Hammers.

After putting in an encouraging display against Arsenal, Smith could be tempted to name an unchanged lineup for Sunday's away trip.


West Ham United Women possible starting lineup:
Arnold; Smith, Cissoko, Cooke; Denton, Filis, Hayashi, Shimizu; Evans, Asseyi; Ueki

Bristol City Women possible starting lineup:
Clarke; Powell, Aspin, Connolly, Layzell; Morgan, Furness, Rodgers, Jones, Napier; Thestrup


SM words green background

We say: West Ham United Women 2-1 Bristol City Women

Although Bristol City would have been encouraged by their performance against Arsenal, they are still yet to claim a point this season, and we think that they could face more disappointment on Sunday against a team they have lost to in three of their four previous WSL meetings.



For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 1.5:data


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A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016
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