Manchester City Prepare For West Ham Away In Cup Quarter-Final of the League Cup.

West Ham host Manchester City on Sunday 21 December at Chigwell Construction

Stadium.

Overview

West Ham face Manchester City in the Women's League Cup, with both sides aiming to take a significant step towards silverware. For the Hammers, the tie offers an opportunity to test themselves against elite opposition and make a statement in cup competition, where momentum and belief can quickly build. Manchester City will be focused on asserting their quality and progressing in a tournament they will see as a genuine target this season. With knockout stakes, squad depth likely to be tested and no room for error, this clash promises intensity, quality and plenty on the line.

From The Press Conference

Andrée Jeglertz (Manchester City Manager) gives an update on Aoba Fujino

"She has been assessed during the week and she is a question mark for the game on Sunday. That's all I can say at the moment."

"I was just looking at your options on the bench. I see Greenwood, Clinton, Kerolin, Sydney and Iman. Now you're getting players back, how much of a boost is it?"

"Yeah, it's fantastic to have those different options and they are totally different players. So they can affect the game, we can start the game in one way but we can also change the game any different way. So that's important for us. I'm very satisfied with that.

"It's the first trophy to be available in the season, what would it mean to you if you were able to win it in your first season."

"Yes I think it's important for our team and our club. I would like to win something and I would like to win everything. All the competition we going into our goal is to get as far as we can."

"We saw Laura Wienroither unavailable in the match squad. Is there any updates on her and her availability this week?"

"She's available for this coming week.

Naomi Layzell has undergone successful hip surgery this week and will now commence rehabilitation with the club's medical team"

From Guide

Manchester City have been very solid lately, winning 10 out of their 11 WSL games.

Their attacking output has been sharp, particularly in their biggest wins, showcasing the fluidity and depth in their forward play. The moment around Manchester City is fully positive, with the team looking confident and in comp control as they push to get into the next round of the League Cup.

West Ham have experienced a mixed run of form, producing encouraging performances alongside more challenging results (one win, two draws and eight loses). There have been signs of resilience and organisation in certain fixtures, particularly in phases without the ball, but against stronger opposition they have at times struggled to maintain consistency across 90 minutes. As the season progresses, the Hammers will be looking to tighten up defensively and turn positive spells into sustained results as they aim to stabilise their campaign.

Key Players To Watch

Manchester City - Lauren Hemp

A dynamic and intelligent attacker, Laure Hemp combines pace, creativity and directness to devastating effect. Her ability to stretch defences, create overloads and deliver decisive moments in the final third makes her a threat in big matches.

West Ham - Riko Ueki

A sharp and energetic forward, Riko Ueki brings pace, movement and a relentless work rate to West Ham's attack. Her ability to press from the front, find pockets of space and threaten goal makes her a key outlet, particularly in transition and against high-level opposition.

Predictions / Taking Point

West Ham enter this tie with energy and determination, aiming to utilise their organisation and transition play to disrupt Manchester City's rhythm. The Hammers will look to stay compact, press intelligently and capitalise on moments to break forward. Manchester City, meanwhile, arrive in strong attacking form, bringing fluid movement, sustained pressure and a wealth of quality in the final third. It presents a clear tactical contrast between West Ham's structured, counter-attacking approach and City's possession-based dominance, with a competitive contest likely to be shaped by small moments and decision-making in key areas.