West Ham United Women will look for their first Women’s Super League points of the season when London City Lionesses visit east London on Saturday.
Rita Guarino’s side were beaten 3-1 by Tottenham Hotspur on the opening weekend and now return home for their first WSL match at Chigwell Construction Stadium this season.
London City arrive with confidence after beginning their campaign with an impressive 2-1 victory over Manchester United.
The fixture also brings together several familiar faces, with Saki Kumagai in contention to face the club she left only days before the new season began.
Saki Kumagai pushing for first West Ham start
Kumagai joined West Ham permanently from London City on transfer deadline day and made her Hammers debut from the bench against Tottenham.
The Japan international made an immediate impression during that cameo, with Read West Ham rating her as West Ham’s standout performer despite the opening-day defeat.
A full week of training gives Guarino a much easier decision over whether to hand the 35-year-old her first start on Saturday.
West Ham confirmed Kumagai’s arrival on a one-year deal after she became the tenth permanent signing of a major summer rebuild.
Our original report has the full details of Kumagai’s Deadline Day move from London City to West Ham.
Captain Katie Zelem also has recent London City connections after spending time with Saturday’s opponents before moving permanently to West Ham.
Alexia Putellas gives West Ham major test
London City demonstrated their ambition immediately by beating Manchester United 2-1 in their opening fixture.
A Reuters report from their WSL opener highlighted a squad transformed by major summer investment.
Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas captained London City, while Daniëlle van de Donk scored the decisive second goal.
Mapi León, Mary Earps and Van de Donk are among the other established internationals added to Eder Maestre’s squad.
That creates a demanding home opener for a West Ham side still adjusting after their own extensive recruitment drive.
Guarino named four debutants against Tottenham, and the club’s latest training footage ahead of London City shows the rebuilt squad continuing preparations at Chadwell Heath.
West Ham need response after Tottenham defeat
The scoreline against Tottenham was disappointing, but West Ham did create opportunities.
Guarino admitted after the game that her team had failed to make enough of the good chances they produced.
Saturday therefore provides an early test of how quickly those attacking relationships are developing.
Kumagai’s experience could help West Ham gain greater control, while Zelem will again be central to the midfield battle.
Stopping Putellas and preventing London City from establishing the possession dominance they enjoyed against Manchester United could prove decisive.
West Ham are looking for their first points of the campaign, while London City have the chance to begin with consecutive victories.
Supporters can find the kick-off time, television channel and streaming information in our West Ham Women vs London City TV guide.
