by Staff Writer
Saturday, 10th January 2026
West Ham United Women return to Barclays Women’s Super League action on Sunday, 11 January, as we welcome reigning champions Chelsea Women to the Chigwell Construction Stadium, Dagenham, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm.
The Hammers face one of the league’s toughest tests against a Chelsea side packed with international quality and title ambitions, but Rita Guarino’s team will be eager to build on recent performances and test themselves against the very best.
Chelsea are expected to dominate possession and press high, using their pace and technical quality in wide areas to stretch the pitch.
West Ham, meanwhile, are likely to set up compact out of possession, with quick outlets forward and an emphasis on discipline, work rate and concentration across the 90 minutes.
Rita Guarino has spoken openly about her eagerness to make an impact since taking over. “We’re excited to get started and build a team that is competitive, organised and fearless," she said. "We know Chelsea are elite, but the players are ready to show commitment and fight for every ball.”
Possible Starting XIs
West Ham United Women
(likely 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1)
GK: Kinga Szemik; RB: Anouk Denton, CB: Shelina Zadorsky, CB: Eva Nyström, LB: Verena Hanshaw; CM: Oona Sirén, CM: Anna Csiki, CM: Katrina Gorry, RW: Ffion Morgan; ST: Shekiera Martinez, LW: Viviane Asseyi
(Subs/rotation: Sarah Brasero, Seraina Piubel, Inès Belloumou, Selin Cemal)
Chelsea Women
(likely 4-3-3)
GK: Hannah Hampton; RB: Oriane Jean-Francois, CB: Millie Bright, CB: Veerle Buurman, LB: Lucy Bronze; CM: Keira Walsh, CM: Erin Cuthbert, CM: Sjoeke Nüsken; RW: Alyssa Thompson, CF: Aggie Beever-Jones, LW: Johanna Rytting Kaneryd
(Subs/rotation: Caitlin Foord, Catarina Macario)
* Something to say about this story? Please visit the KUMB Forum to leave a comment.