Preview: West Ham United v Arsenal Women | Match preview | News

Our Gunners look to make it five wins from five in 2024 as we face West Ham United in the Barclays Women's Super League this afternoon.

Rehanne Skinner's side are currently just two points away from the relegation zone, with just two wins from 12 so far this season. 

We make the journey across London to the Chigwell Construction Stadium hoping to extend our unbeaten run against the Hammers, who have never beaten us in the WSL. 

Last time around

In the home fixture back in November, Frida Maanum kicked things off at Meadow Park after just two minutes played with an effortless chip from outside the area. 

Beth Mead, who had been patiently awaiting her first goal back from injury, completed the job before the half-time whistle had even blown. Our number 9 bagged a brace in style and became the second player in WSL history to reach 100 goal involvements. 

Facts and stats

• We have faced West Ham United 10 times in the Women's Super League, winning nine of those meetings. However, in this away fixture last season, we failed to convert our chances, drawing 0-0 with the Hammers
• Our Gunners have won nine of the last 10 league games. The Hammers, meanwhile, have lost their last four consecutive home games
• Alessia Russo has six goal involvements in her last seven WSL games, scoring three times and assisting three times. This season, our number 23 has won possession in the final third more often than any other player in the league - 21 times
• We have scored at least twice in 10 of our last 11 league matches, bagging 28 goals in total. Only Chelsea have racked up more shots than us this season
• In London derby fixtures, Vivianne Miedema has 22 goal involvements in 21 starts. Miedema's opening goal against Liverpool was her first since suffering an ACL injury back in December 2022
• Last weekend against Bristol City, Viviane Asseyi scored her 10th goal for the Hammers. She became only the second French player to score 10 goals in the WSL, behind Aston Villa's Kenza Dali

Team news

We said a fond farewell to a club legend this week as Jen Beattie left north London after eight years of service. She heads stateside for the newly-founded NWSL outfit, Bay FC.

In his pre-match press conference, Jonas Eidevall did not provide any further team updates but our Gunners will be missing Irish captain Katie McCabe through a suspension.

What the managers say

Eidevall on West Ham: "They’re a really strong team, have a strong squad and I think the only thing that is missing for them is that they haven’t really got rewarded for their performances in points.

"But, as a team, you see they keep on going, believing and that’s usually a very good sign for them."

Skinner on us: "With all of the teams at the top, it’s already been proven that teams can take points off of anybody in this league. 

"You have to turn up and be at your best on the day and give it everything that you’ve got. If it’s this weekend, then fantastic, we’ll take that."

Match officials

Referee: Mel Burgin

Assistant referee: David Middleton

Assistant referee: Ruby Sykes

Fourth official: Abi Byrne

How to watch

All the action at the Chigwell Construction Stadium kicks off at 12:30pm GMT. Supporters in the UK can watch along via BBC Two, with coverage starting at 12:15pm.