Key takeaways
- Erin Cuthbert: Returns to the bench after recovering from injury.
- Maika Hamano: Makes her first start of the season.
- Hannah Hampton: Fit to continue in goal after receiving treatment against Lyon.
Erin Cuthbert returns to Chelsea Women’s matchday squad for the first time this season as Sonia Bompastor makes two changes against West Ham.
Maika Hamano earns her first start of the campaign, while Sandy Baltimore also comes into the side.
Chelsea’s official team announcement confirms Lexi Potter and Alyssa Thompson are rested. Both are available among the substitutes.
Chelsea Women confirmed XI against West Ham
Chelsea: Hampton, Carpenter, Bronze (c), Buchanan, Buurman, Kaptein, Walsh, Nusken, Baltimore, Hamano, Malard.
Substitutes: Peng, Bjorn, McCabe, Potter, Cuthbert, Dragoni, James, Thompson, Beever-Jones.
Cuthbert and McCabe strengthen Chelsea’s bench
Cuthbert’s inclusion follows Bompastor’s update on her return to full training. The midfielder has now completed her recovery and gives Chelsea another option during the game.
Katie McCabe also returns to the squad after illness kept her out in midweek.
Hampton retains her place despite needing medical treatment late in Wednesday’s draw at Lyon. Bompastor keeps the same defensive personnel, with Lucy Bronze wearing the captain’s armband.
Melvine Malard continues up front, while Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones remain on the bench.
Kick-off is 2pm BST at the Chigwell Construction Stadium. Our West Ham vs Chelsea Women TV guide has the viewing details.
