West Ham take on Manchester City in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, live on BBC One.
West Ham
West Ham are on a poor run of form, having lost their previous three matches. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of Saturday’s opponents when the two sides faced off in the league two weeks ago. West Ham Manager, Olli Harder, will be hoping that the international break came at a good time for his team as they try to regroup ahead of this huge semi-final clash.
West Ham have reached the semi-finals of the competition after seeing off the challenges of Sheffield United, Reading and Ipswich Town respectively.
Olli Harder will be without Maisy Barker whose injury is set to keep her out for the remainder of the season. Katerina Svitkova missed the league match against City two weeks ago with illness. The team missed her dynamic play from wide on the left and her expected return be a welcome boost to the squad.
Manchester City
City are arguably the most in form team in the country right now having won eight games in a row in all competitions. Their squad is packed full of established international stars and they are the overwhelming favourites to reach this year’s final.
The Citizens are bidding to win both domestic cups this season after they beat Chelsea by three goals to one in the League Cup final at the beginning of March.
Gareth Taylor’s team beat Everton 4-0 in the quarter final. Lauren Hemp scored twice before Caroline Weir and Ellen White added a goal each. City beat Nottingham Forest 8-0 and rivals Manchester United 4-1 in the earlier rounds.
Last match between the two teams
The teams faced off in the last match before the international break. City registered a commanding 2-0 victory thanks to first half goals from Georgia Stanway and Bunny Shaw. West Ham struggled to impose themselves on the match and know they will have to ask more questions of the City defence this weekend if they are to book their place in the final.
Player to watch – Alex Greenwood
The Citizens’ remarkable run of form has seen them concede only twice in more than 720 minutes of action. City centre back Alex Greenwood has played a vital role in the absence of club captain Steph Houghton. Greenwood’s solid defensive acumen and long-range passing ability have proved valuable assets in the club’s battle to qualify for the Champions League next season.
Greenwood made her professional debut for Everton in 2010 at the age of 17. She was named FA Young Player of the Year two years later in 2012.
Greenwood has since gone on to represent Notts County, Liverpool, Manchester United and Lyon where she won the Champions League in 2019. An England regular, she has earned 45 caps, scoring 5 goals in the process.
Predicted West Ham XI
Arnold, Cissoko, Flaherty, Fisk, Stringer, Brynjarsdottir, Snerle, Hasegawa, Svitkova, Leon, Walker
How to Watch
West Ham United FC Women vs Manchester City FC Women
Date: Saturday 16th April 2022
Venue: Chigwell Construction Stadium
Kick-off Time: 12:15 (BST)
TV: BBC One/BBC iPlayer/BBC Sport Website
Streaming: FA Player