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

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

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 consecutive defeats in their home meeting with Liverpool after Riko Ueki netted a stoppage-time equaliser to ensure the contest 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 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:

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W

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West Ham United Women form (all competitions):

Bristol City Women Women's Super League form:

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Bristol City Women form (all competitions):

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Team News

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

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

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