West Ham United Women will be forced into at least one attacking change when they face Manchester United in the Women’s Super League on Sunday.
Rita Guarino has confirmed Riko Ueki will miss the next few weeks after suffering an injury against Everton, ruling the forward out of the trip to the Progress With Unity Stadium.
Ffion Morgan is progressing in her recovery but has not yet been confirmed as available.
That leaves Ebony Salmon in a strong position to come into the starting XI after featuring in West Ham’s midweek cup victory over Tottenham.
West Ham Women Team News vs Man Utd
Ueki is the clearest confirmed absentee.
Guarino confirmed before the Manchester United game that the Japan international will be sidelined for “a few weeks” with the injury she sustained against Everton.
Our Riko Ueki injury update covers the setback in full.
Morgan is making progress, with Guarino saying the Wales international is working hard to return.
However, no comeback date has been confirmed, so she should not be included in the predicted XI unless West Ham provide another update before kick-off.
Salmon Could Replace Ueki
Ebony Salmon now looks the most logical candidate to come into the side.
She started the goalless Subway Players Cup draw against Tottenham in midweek, when West Ham went on to claim the bonus point through a penalty shootout victory.
Guarino rotated heavily for that fixture, giving several regular starters reduced workloads ahead of Sunday’s league game.
Kelly Gago was introduced at half-time against Spurs and should return to lead the attack, while Viviane Asseyi and Seraina Piubel are also strong candidates to retain league roles.
With Ueki unavailable, Salmon could complete the attacking unit.
Zelem Set to Return From the Start
Katie Zelem should return to the starting XI after beginning the Tottenham game on the bench.
The West Ham captain has called for greater consistency after an uneven start to the WSL campaign.
Speaking to the official West Ham website, Zelem said the Hammers need to build on the positive aspects of the Spurs performance.
West Ham have three points from their opening three league fixtures, with victory over London City Lionesses followed by a late defeat against Everton.
Zelem’s experience alongside Saki Kumagai should again give Guarino her preferred midfield platform.
Codina and Riesen Expected Back
Guarino made six changes against Tottenham, giving several defenders an opportunity.
Laia Codina and Nadine Riesen were both used from the bench, while Inès Belloumou also had her workload managed.
The back four used against Everton remains the likeliest league combination:
Riesen, Codina, Estelle Cascarino and Belloumou.
Constance Picaud-Inconnu should continue in goal after keeping a clean sheet against Tottenham.
West Ham Women Predicted XI vs Manchester United
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
Picaud-Inconnu; Riesen, Codina, Cascarino, Belloumou; Kumagai, Zelem; Salmon, Piubel, Asseyi; Gago.
The key change from our original prediction is Salmon replacing the injured Ueki.
There may still be scope for Leila Wandeler or Ylinn Tennebø after their involvement in midweek, but the short turnaround and Guarino’s cup rotation point towards several established league starters returning.
Manchester United remain without a WSL victory after three matches, but Guarino has warned that their results do not reflect the quality available in their squad.
Supporters can find the kick-off time and broadcast information in our Man Utd Women vs West Ham Women TV and live stream guide.
The match kicks off at 1pm BST on Sunday 27 September at the Progress With Unity Stadium.
