Chelsea take on West Ham in the quarter-finals of the Continental Cup on the 19th. Coach Emma Hayes has stated that her team are excited for a game after so many postponements and are looking forward to the challenge to defend their title.
In matches between the two sides have been favourable to the West London side with victory in all but including a six- nil win in last year’s competition.
However the club are not taking this for granted after watching West Ham taking on Tottenham on Sunday.
Hayes who watched the match spoke highly of her midweek opponents saying
‘Oli’s done a great job with them, they are difficult to play against… we know it’s going to be a tough game.’
Although they will have a smaller squad due to some noticeable absences such as Sam Kerr who is out with Australia in the Asia Cup.
Captain Magda Eriksson and Melanie Leupolz are out due injury leaving Hayes with just 15 players.
Having the smaller numbers has allowed Chelsea to focus on certain areas and make them stronger as a unit which will be needed for their first game back.
The team are prepared for all eventualities including penalties due to West Ham’s current run of draws. Being a cup game both teams are under pressure in order to succeed. However, Chelsea are just looking to have a fun relaxed game, to play the game as it happens. Not to be stuck within a rigid game plan.
Speaking on the league as a whole, Emma commented that the League has got more competitive and it’s only going to make the league better. The competitive nature is going to step the league and push it to the next level we have been waiting for.
Though this means no team can rest on their laurels as the league is so volatile with positions changing from game to game.
Chelsea take on West Ham at the Chigwell Construction Stadium on 19th January kick-off at 19:30.
Photo: @ChelseaFCW
