The Women’s Super League (WSL) continues to grow in popularity, captivating fans with its thrilling matches and rising talent. Among the standout teams in the competition are Manchester United Women and West Ham United Women, two sides that have been vying for top positions in recent seasons. As the 2024-2025 WSL campaign heats up, one of the most exciting fixtures on the horizon is the matchup between these two clubs.
This article takes a closer look at the latest lineups, tactical approaches, and key players for both Manchester United and West Ham as they prepare for what promises to be an exhilarating encounter.
Team Overview: A Brief Introduction
Before diving into the tactical details and player lineups, let’s first take a quick look at the two teams:
Manchester United Women: Since their promotion to the WSL in 2018, Manchester United Women have rapidly established themselves as one of the league’s powerhouses. Under manager Marc Skinner, the team is known for its disciplined defensive organization, dynamic counter-attacking style, and attacking potency. The squad is packed with international talent, featuring both experienced players and emerging stars.
West Ham United Women: Managed by Paul Konchesky, West Ham Women have developed into a well-organized mid-table team. While they may not boast the same high-profile names as some of the league’s bigger clubs, West Ham is a hardworking, resilient unit that is difficult to break down. They rely on physicality, tactical discipline, and quick counter-attacks to threaten their opponents.
Predicted Lineups and Player Availability
As of the latest updates, both teams have faced injury concerns and tactical tweaks. Here’s a look at the expected starting lineups for both sides:
Manchester United Women Lineup (4-3-3 Formation):
Goalkeeper: Mary Earps
Earps is a top-tier shot-stopper, known for her composure and leadership. She will be crucial in keeping West Ham’s forwards at bay.
Right Back: Ona Batlle
Batlle’s pace and crossing ability make her a constant attacking threat down the right flank. Her defensive work is equally important in thwarting counter-attacks.
Center-Backs: Millie Turner & Maya Le Tissier
Turner’s experience and Le Tissier’s ball-playing ability create a solid partnership at the heart of United’s defense.
Left Back: Rachel Williams
Williams is versatile, offering defensive stability while also providing support in the attacking phase.
Central Midfielders: Ella Toone, Hayley Ladd, and Lucy Staniforth
Toone’s creativity, Ladd’s defensive presence, and Staniforth’s technical skill form a well-balanced midfield that controls the tempo of play.
Wingers: Alessia Russo & Leah Galton
Russo’s clinical finishing and aerial prowess make her a constant danger, while Galton’s dribbling and pace create problems for opposing defenses.
Striker: Rachel Williams
Williams is a physical forward whose hold-up play and aerial strength make her a key figure in United’s attack.
West Ham United Women Lineup (4-2-3-1 Formation):
Goalkeeper: Mackenzie Arnold
Arnold’s consistency and ability to make crucial saves will be essential for West Ham, particularly against Manchester United’s attacking threats.
Right Back: Hawa Cissoko
Cissoko is known for her speed and physicality, making her a key contributor to both defensive duties and offensive transitions.
Center-Backs: Grace Fisk & Jacinta Galabadaarachchi
Fisk’s no-nonsense defending and Galabadaarachchi’s ball-playing skills complement each other well at the back.
Left Back: Tessel Middag
Middag provides stability in defense while offering occasional support in attack with her well-timed runs.
Central Midfielders: Dagny Brynjarsdóttir & Yui Hasegawa
Brynjarsdóttir is a box-to-box presence, contributing both defensively and offensively, while Hasegawa’s creativity is key to breaking down opposition defenses.
Attacking Midfielders: Viviane Asseyi, Emily van Egmond & Kenza Dali
Asseyi’s pace, van Egmond’s experience, and Dali’s dribbling and vision make for a dynamic attacking trio that can hurt Manchester United on the break.
Striker: Martha Thomas
Thomas’ intelligent movement and clinical finishing make her the focal point of West Ham’s attack.
Tactical Insights: How Both Teams Might Play
Manchester United Women:
Under Marc Skinner, Manchester United is likely to focus on possession-based football, maintaining control of the ball while probing for openings in the opposition’s defense. They will look to exploit the width of the pitch, using the pace of Batlle and Galton to stretch West Ham’s defensive shape. In midfield, Toone, Ladd, and Staniforth will look to dominate possession, dictate play, and link up with the attacking players.
Defensively, United will press high up the pitch, aiming to win the ball back quickly and prevent West Ham from building any sustained attacks. If they can maintain a high tempo, United will aim to create numerous chances, especially through crosses from wide areas and quick through balls into the attacking spaces for Russo and Williams.
West Ham United Women:
West Ham’s approach will likely be focused on defensive solidity and counter-attacking. With their 4-2-3-1 formation, West Ham will aim to keep things tight at the back, with Brynjarsdóttir and Hasegawa shielding the defense and preventing Manchester United from dictating the tempo. The attacking trio of Asseyi, Dali, and van Egmond will look to exploit any gaps left by United’s high press, using their pace and technical ability to break quickly.
West Ham will be looking to counter-attack at speed, with Asseyi’s pace and Thomas’ movement off the ball creating dangerous opportunities. With full-backs Cissoko and Middag providing width, West Ham will look to deliver dangerous crosses into the box for Thomas and her teammates.
Key Players to Watch
Manchester United Women:
Alessia Russo: The England international is a constant goal threat with her clinical finishing and aerial dominance.
Mary Earps: One of the world’s best goalkeepers, Earps’ leadership and shot-stopping ability will be vital to United’s success.
Ella Toone: Toone’s creativity and vision will be key in unlocking West Ham’s defense and providing assists to her teammates.
West Ham United Women:
Dagny Brynjarsdóttir: The Icelandic midfielder’s work rate and leadership will be essential for West Ham’s defense and transition play.
Mackenzie Arnold: As the last line of defense, Arnold’s ability to make key saves could be the difference between a win or a loss for West Ham.
Martha Thomas: Thomas’ intelligent positioning and clinical finishing make her a major threat in front of goal.
Final Thoughts: What to Expect
The matchup between Manchester United Women and West Ham United Women is set to be a thrilling encounter. United will look to control possession, stretch the West Ham defense, and create chances from wide areas, while West Ham will aim to stay compact, absorb pressure, and break quickly on the counter.
With key players on both sides capable of turning the game in an instant, this fixture could go in any direction. Manchester United’s attacking talent may give them the edge, but West Ham’s disciplined and resilient approach will make them a dangerous opponent.
FAQs:-
What are the confirmed lineups for Manchester United W.F.C. vs West Ham United Women?
As of the latest match, the confirmed lineups for Manchester United Women’s Football Club (W.F.C.) vs West Ham United Women have been announced by both clubs on their official social media channels and matchday reports. To get the most accurate and up-to-date lineup, always check closer to match day as teams often announce the final lineups about 1 hour before kickoff. Common starters for Manchester United include Mary Earps (GK), Millie Turner, Maria Thorisdottir, and Ella Toone, while West Ham usually fields players like Anna Leat (GK), Gilly Flaherty, and Hannah Hampton.
Where can I find the latest team lineups for Manchester United W.F.C. vs West Ham United Women?
You can find the latest lineups for the Manchester United Women vs West Ham Women match on:
Official club websites: Manchester United and West Ham United regularly post their match previews, including confirmed lineups.
Social media platforms: Both clubs share lineup details on their Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages.
Football apps & websites: Apps like ESPN, SofaScore, and BBC Sport provide real-time updates on team lineups and match details.
What is the formation used by Manchester United Women and West Ham United Women?
Manchester United W.F.C.: Under manager Marc Skinner, Manchester United typically plays in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation. Key players like Alessia Russo and Lauren James often lead the attack, supported by midfielders like Katie Zelem and Ella Toone. The defense is generally solid with Millie Turner and Hannah Blundell anchoring the backline.
West Ham United Women: Managed by Paul Konchesky, West Ham has varied its formation but often uses a 4-4-2 or a 4-3-3. Players like Dagny Brynjarsdottir and Yui Hasegawa are vital in midfield, while Martha Thomas leads the attack.
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