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

The Hammers meanwhile, travel to Kingsmeadow with hopes of claiming a third consecutive victory in all competitions.

Match preview

While Chelsea are yet to produce their best form this season, they will be content with their four-point haul from their opening two games.

The Blues began the campaign with a narrow 2-1 victory over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge, before they headed on their travels for last weekend's meeting with Manchester City.

Chelsea required a stoppage-time equaliser from Guro Reiten to salvage a point against a Man City side who finished the game with nine players after Alex Greenwood and Lauren Hemp were sent off in the 38th and 81st minute respectively.

While the 1-1 draw ended Chelsea's run of eight consecutive league victories, they remain unbeaten in 10 WSL matches since losing to Man City in March.

Chelsea will turn their attention to Saturday's fixture, where they will be looking to record a 17th straight home victory in the WSL.

Rehanne Skinner began her tenure as West Ham boss with a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City, but the former Tottenham manager has seen her side respond in positive fashion to claim back-to-back victories.

The Hammers got up and running with a 2-0 WSL victory over Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend after Kirsty Smith and Riko Ueki grabbed a goal apiece.

West Ham followed that result with another win in Wednesday's league cup tie against Charlton Athletic, where they came from behind to win 2-1 following second-half efforts from Emma Harries and Izzy Atkinson.

After facing Championship opposition in midweek, West Ham will face a much tougher challenge this weekend when they go up against the reigning WSL champions.

Having lost each of their last 12 competitive meetings against Chelsea, the Hammers know they have their work cut out to take at least a point from Saturday's contest.

Chelsea Women Women's Super League form:

W

D

West Ham United Women Women's Super League form:

L

W

West Ham United Women form (all competitions):

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Team News

Chelsea are still expected to be without the services of Catarina Macario and Katerina Svitkova due to injury issues.

After coming off the bench at half time against Man City, Sam Kerr could be presented with her first start of the season.

Fran Kirby is likely to make a third consecutive substitute appearance, as she continues to build up her fitness after missing the majority of last season through injury.

As for West Ham, Skinner made a number of changes for the midweek League Cup game, but she is expected to select the same lineup that started against Brighton.

After scoring her first West Ham goal last weekend, Ueki will look to score in a second straight league game when she features in the forward line.

Despite finding the net in midweek, Harries and Atkinson are expected to be on the bench for Saturday's away trip.

Chelsea Women possible starting lineup:

Musovic; Lawrence, Bright, Carter, Charles; Leupolz, Cuthbert; Rytting Kaneryd, James, Reiten; Kerr

West Ham United Women possible starting lineup:

Arnold; Shimizu, Cissoko, Cooke; Denton, Hayashi, Stringer, Smith; Evans, Asseyi, Ueki

We say: Chelsea Women 3-0 West Ham United Women

West Ham would have taken confidence from their last two outings, but we think they will find it tough going against the defending WSL champions.

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