West Ham are the visitors to Brisbane Road for our Barclays Women’s Super League season opener on Sunday (12pm UK).
With a London derby to kick off our seventh season in England’s top flight, we spoke to Kathryn Batte, Women's Football Reporter for The Telegraph, to give us the lowdown on the Hammers…
What have you made of West Ham's summer?
Kathryn: “There's been plenty of change at West Ham but I think they've brought in a few good additions to make up for the experience they've lost. Yu Endo looks like a good signing and I'm interested to see how young England midfielder Sarah Brasero gets on.”
How good is Shekeira Martinez?
Kathryn: “She really hit the ground running straight away after she returned from her loan spell in January. She perhaps had the surprise factor in the second half of last season but opposition teams will know more about her now. Stopping her, however, is another matter. She is a real goal threat.”
How have they strengthened in key areas?
Kathryn: “They've certainly added all over the pitch which is what they needed to do. One defender and goalkeeper, two midfielders and two forwards. With the departure of Dagny Brynjarsdottir, they definitely needed to strengthen at the top end of the pitch.”
Anyone else to look out for?
Kathryn: “Welsh international Ffion Morgan has joined from Bristol City. There was a bit of competition for her so West Ham did well to get that deal over the line. How quickly she adapts to the WSL will be interesting but the experience of playing at the Euros will no doubt have helped.”
How could Rehanne Skinner set-up?
Kathryn: “I would expect West Ham to set-up similarly to how they did last season - which was usually a 4-2-3-1. They've had some impressive pre-season results - notably their 3-0 victory over Liverpool and were only narrowly beaten by Arsenal.”
What do you expect on Sunday?
Kathryn: “I imagine Spurs will dominate the ball as West Ham do not mind letting their opponents enjoy a bit more possession. I'm expecting it to be a tight game which may be decided by one goal. Both teams will feel confident so it should be a great watch.”
Watch | Our last seven goals against West Ham in the WSL