West Ham United Women could make several changes when they face Tottenham Hotspur in the Subway Players Cup on Wednesday night.
Rita Guarino has already hinted that players who did not feature in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat against Everton could receive opportunities at BetWright Stadium.
Seven members of West Ham’s bench were unused against the Toffees, giving Guarino plenty of scope to freshen the starting XI only three days later.
Here is the latest West Ham Women team news and our predicted XI to face Tottenham.
West Ham Women team news vs Tottenham
Ffion Morgan remained sidelined against Everton and there has been no subsequent official update confirming her availability for Wednesday.
West Ham otherwise named a strong 20-player matchday squad on Sunday.
Constance Picaud-Inconnu started in goal behind Nadine Riesen, Laia Codina, Estelle Cascarino and Inès Belloumou.
Katie Zelem and Saki Kumagai continued their midfield partnership, while Seraina Piubel, Riko Ueki, Viviane Asseyi and Kelly Gago completed the starting XI.
The official West Ham team sheet shows Rebekah Dowsett, Yu Endo, Oona Siren, Eva Nyström, Ylinn Tennebø, Sienna Wareing and Niamh Peacock were all unused substitutes.
Ebony Salmon and Leila Wandeler were the only players Guarino introduced from the bench.
That matters after the West Ham head coach specifically highlighted the importance of Wednesday’s match for players who did not feature against Everton.
We covered Guarino’s selection hint ahead of the Tottenham cup tie.
Rita Guarino could rotate West Ham against Spurs
A complete second XI would be unlikely.
West Ham still need enough continuity to compete against a Tottenham side that has already beaten them 3-1 this season and remains unbeaten after three WSL matches.
However, the Subway Players Cup gives Guarino an obvious opportunity to test the depth assembled during the summer.
Eva Nyström is one of the strongest candidates to return.
The Finland international started West Ham’s 2-1 victory over London City Lionesses before Codina replaced her against Everton.
Yu Endo could also return at full-back after starting the opening-day WSL meeting with Tottenham.
Oona Siren is another obvious option in midfield.
The reigning Hammer of the Year started alongside Katie Zelem earlier in the season and gives Guarino an experienced alternative if either Zelem or Kumagai is rested.
Sienna Wareing could also be considered after remaining unused against Everton. The 18-year-old midfielder joined West Ham this summer after winning Manchester United’s Academy U21 Player of the Year award. (whufc.com)
Ebony Salmon pushing for West Ham start
Salmon should also come firmly into consideration.
The forward was introduced after 62 minutes against Everton and immediately gave West Ham greater threat down the right.
Her pace could be particularly useful against a Tottenham side that Martin Ho admitted allowed Crystal Palace too many counter-attacking opportunities during the first half of their recent meeting.
We have looked in more detail at the Tottenham defensive issue West Ham could try to exploit.
Salmon started West Ham’s WSL opener against Tottenham earlier this month and could now be restored to the XI for the rematch.
West Ham Women predicted XI vs Tottenham
I expect Guarino to make several changes without completely dismantling the spine of the side.
Predicted West Ham XI: Picaud-Inconnu; Endo, Nyström, Cascarino, Riesen; Siren, Zelem; Salmon, Wandeler, Asseyi; Gago.
That would mean five changes from the XI that started against Everton.
Endo, Nyström and Siren would all return after remaining unused on Sunday, while Salmon and Wandeler would be rewarded with starts after appearing from the bench.
Keeping Picaud-Inconnu, Cascarino, Zelem and Asseyi in the side would retain enough experience around the rotated players.
There is also a genuine case for Wareing, Tennebø or Peacock to receive minutes, particularly given Guarino’s comments about involving players who missed out against Everton.
When is Tottenham Women vs West Ham Women?
Tottenham Women host West Ham Women at BetWright Stadium on Wednesday, 23 September, with kick-off at 7pm BST.
The game is West Ham’s first fixture in the new Subway Players Cup league phase.
Supporters looking specifically for broadcast information can find our dedicated Tottenham Women vs West Ham Women TV and live-stream guide.
The confirmed line-ups should be announced approximately an hour before kick-off, and we will update our matchday coverage as soon as Guarino’s XI is released.
