Chelsea manager Emma Hayes says that she is expecting an incredibly difficult game against a committed West Ham United side at The Chigwell Construction Stadium this evening.
The Blues travel to Dagenham to face The Hammers in a FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup semi-final.
Chelsea will be the favourites to reach the final, however, they come up against a West Ham United side who are well-organised and committed to the cause. The Hammers frustrated Arsenal last time out with the pair battling out a goalless draw at The Chigwell Construction Stadium.
When speaking in the pre-match press conference, Chelsea boss Hayes did not shy away from the potential difficulties that tonight’s tie will bring her side.
“They’ve had four clean sheets in a row and what a performance on Sunday against Arsenal,” Hayes said. “I thought that they defended their box extremely well and Paul (Konchesky) has done a great job with them.
“They’re really organised out of possession, they’ve got a ton of threats, especially in the transition and from set-pieces but defensively, we are very clear about how hard it is going to be to score a goal against them.
“We know there is a cup final place at stake and we have to be up for this.”
Hayes went on to say that her side cannot underestimate their opponents. West Ham United are rising to the challenge of being an underdog and the players are giving their all for their manager.
“I knew Paul needed a bit of time and he has been able to bring in some players to help that. He has got an underdog mentality with that group, they know that they are punching hard for him and the club.
“I think we don’t underestimate them, not at their home. I think it will be a tough slog.”
Chelsea’s FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup semi-final tie against West Ham United kicks-off at 7.15pm.