by Staff Writer
Friday, 12th September 2025
West Ham United Women are set to welcome Arsenal Women to Chigwell Construction Stadium in Dagenham on Friday night.
With kick-off at 7:30pm BST, the clash marks the first home game of the season for the Irons in the Barclays Women’s Super League and they will be eager to bounce back after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in their opening fixture.
Despite creating several good chances against Spurs, a late penalty from Bethany England denied West Ham any points at Brisbane Road.
Arsenal, in contrast, started the season strongly with a 4-1 win over London City Lionesses. Debutant Olivia Smith scored a stunning equalizer before goals from Chloe Kelly, Stina Blackstenius, and Frida Maanum secured the emphatic victory.
West Ham will look to improve on both ends of the pitch, with Ffion Morgan expected to play a key role in creating opportunities. Morgan, who impressed on her debut last weekend, is eager to perform in front of the claret and blue fans and help the team secure a positive result.
Manager Rehanne Skinner will rely on her squad to challenge a strong Arsenal side.
The predicted West Ham line-up is a 4-2-3-1 formation with Kinga Szemik in goal (doubtful due to injury), Denton, Nystrom, Zadorsky, and Hanshaw in defence, Siren and Gorry in midfield, Piubel, Ueki, and Asseyi in attacking midfield roles, and Martinez leading the attack.
Arsenal are expected to line up similarly in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Zinsberger in goal, Catley, Wubben-Moy, Ilestedt, and McCabe at the back, Maanum and Walti in midfield, Kelly, Blackstenius, and Foord in attacking midfield, and Smith as the forward.
Fans can expect a high-intensity match under the lights, with both teams looking to assert themselves early in the season. Arsenal may come in as favourites given their strong start, but West Ham’s home advantage and determination to put on a performance could make for a closely contested and exciting London derby.
Forward Ffion Morgan is eagerly anticipating her first home appearance for West Ham United Women when they host Arsenal at Chigwell Construction Stadium in the Barclays Women’s Super League on Friday.
Since joining the Irons from Bristol City in July, Morgan has quickly adapted to her new surroundings and made an immediate impact on the pitch. Coming on as a second-half substitute on her debut, she impressed with her attacking runs and deliveries into the box.
Reflecting on the match, she said: “It was really nice to make my debut for the clb. My parents made the trip up to London for it as well, so for me personally, I was happy.”
Looking ahead, Morgan is focused on helping West Ham achieve positive results and hopes to make a strong contribution this season: We had good spells [against Tottenham]. We just want to put it right on Friday, and do it in front of the fans as well.
"’m looking forward to getting out in front of the fans in my first game in Dagenham. Hopefully we can get three points and put on a show in the first home game of the season.
"For me personally, I want to keep improving, help the team as much as I can, and hopefully have a strong season here with West Ham.”
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