by Staff Writer
Sunday, 7th December 2025
West Ham United Women make the trip to Leigh Sports Village this afternoon for a 12:00pm kick-off against Manchester United Women in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
It’s a notoriously difficult ground to visit, and Manchester United come into the match as strong favourites, but there is quiet optimism within the West Ham camp that a disciplined display could yield something positive. With both teams entering the second half of the season looking to build momentum, the stakes feel particularly high.
Manchester United are expected to dominate possession, using their sharp attacking structure to stretch West Ham’s defensive lines. Their midfield trio thrive on controlling the tempo, recycling the ball efficiently and creating overloads in wide areas.
Man Utd typically press from the front and will likely try to pin West Ham deep early on, forcing errors and creating chances inside the opening minutes.
For West Ham, the game plan will centre around defensive discipline and fast transitions. Rehanne Skinner’s side know that absorbing pressure and then striking quickly on the counter is their most realistic route to success. Expect a compact shape, with tight spacing between back line and midfield to limit the Red Devils’ creativity.
When turnovers do occur, the Hammers will look to spring forward through the pace and intelligence of Viviane Asseyi, whose ability to carry the ball and pick out forward runners could be crucial. Shekiera Martinez will also be a major outlet, offering the finishing needed to capitalise on quick breaks or set-piece moments.
The changing rooms have been quiet at Chadwell Heath over the past week with various key players heading out for international duty. However Viviane Asseyi was looking forward to this upcoming fixture.
“I thought we all came back from the first international break with a lot of energy and this was why we won after that, Even against Leicester, of course we had the mistake at the end, but when you watch the game back, we played well.”
Several key players stand out ahead of this clash. For West Ham, Asseyi remains the heartbeat of the attack and will be central to anything positive in the final third. Martinez will be vital if chances are few and far between.
On the opposite side, Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce has been one of the league’s most consistent shot-stoppers this season, and breaking her down will be no easy task. United’s attacking midfielders and wide forwards will also pose constant threats, particularly if they find space in transition.
For the Hammers this is an opportunity to show resilience against one of the league’s strongest squads. A point away from home would be valuable, while a win would be thrilling.
While the odds favour Man Utd, football has a habit of offering surprises and if West Ham can execute the game plan with precision, they may just deliver one today.
Possible starting XIs
West Ham United: Kinga Szemik, Yu Endo, Amber Tysiak, Shelina Zadorsky, Anouk Denton, Oona Siren, Katrina Gorry, Ffion Morgan, Viviane Asseyi, Riko Ueki, Shekiera Martinez
Manchester United: Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Jayde Riviere, Maya Le Tissier, Millie Turner, Anna Sandberg, Jess Park, Hinata Miyazawa, Ella Toone, Leah Galton, Melvine Malard, Elisabeth Terland
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