Everton Women vs West Ham United: WSL Match Preview
10/13/2024 02:00 AM
Boss updates on depleted squad ahead of 'tough' test
Everton Women go in search of a first Women's Super League win of the season this Sunday but Brian Sorensen believes they'll be in for a 'tough' test from West Ham United.
The visit of the Hammers will be made even more difficult after the Blues suffered yet another injury to their squad following a battling draw away at Arsenal, last week.
The draw at the Emirates Stadium saw the Toffees claim a point, but lose experienced defender Elise Stenevik, who sustained a tendon hamstring injury that will keep her out until around Christmas.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Sorensen updated the media on the defender, saying:
"Unfortunately, Elise is going to be out for a while after the injury she got in the Arsenal game. It is her tendon hamstring. [She'll be out] until Christmas, I assume.
"That is another big blow for us because she has been quite strong in defence."
That adds to long-term absentees Aurora Galli and Inma Gabarro, who sustained anterior cruciate ligament knee injuries in the opening two games of the campaign.
Sorensen is waiting on the fitness of another player for the weekend's game while Karen Holmgaard is still 'building her way back' and Kenzie Weir remains sidelined.
West Ham are currently also seeking their first win of the WSL season, but the Blues boss is expecting a tough test, and feels that Rehanne Skinner's side have been unlucky this season.
"They are tough to play against," said Sorensen. "They deserved better in the United game, I thought they were the better team in the second half.
"They have quality up front, they can hurt you in every moment, they are direct at times, they are unpredictable.
"They are just tough."
The Opposition
Much like Everton, West Ham have faced a tough start to their league campaign, with their only point coming in a 1-1 draw with Liverpool on the opening day of the season, followed by defeats to Manchester's City and United.
Riko Ueki's late header against the Reds has been the only goal the Hammers have managed in the league so far, one more than their weekend hosts.
Regarding team news, Kristie Mewis won't be available for the match but Skinner has confirmed that defender Kirsty Smith will be back in the squad for Sunday.
Previous Meetings
The weekend's fixture against the Hammers will be Everton's 200th WSL match since the inaugural 2011 season and the Blues 100th WSL home game.
Over the ten games contested between the two sides, the Toffees have five victories, with three ending in defeat with two draws.
Late goals from Martina Piemonte and Galli secured the points at Walton Hall Park last season, something Sorensen will certainly not mind a repeat of at the weekend against the side he holds more victories over than any other WSL team since his arrival.
The use of substitutions may also come into play for the Dane in this fixture, with the Toffees scoring via a sub in three consecutive WSL games against the Hammers.
Everton Women take on West Ham United in the WSL on Sunday, 13 October, with kick-off at Walton Hall Park at 2pm.
