The Women’s Super League returns after the winter break with a London derby at Cherry Red Records Fans’ Stadium, where Chelsea host West Ham. This fixture comes at a crucial time in the season. Chelsea, with 7 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss for 24 points, is in second place and needs to keep pace with the leaders in the title race.
West Ham, with 1 win, 2 draws, and 8 losses for 5 points, sits 11th and is fighting to avoid relegation. With the league tight at both ends, this Chelsea vs West Ham WSL preview highlights why the game could be a turning point. Chelsea can’t afford to drop points against lower-table sides, while West Ham desperately needs results to climb out of danger.
Recent Form in Chelsea vs West Ham WSL Preview
Chelsea have shown a strong overall performance this season, scoring 17 goals while conceding only 5 in 11 matches. Their expected goals (xG) of 22.7 suggest they’ve been creating high-quality chances but have underperformed in finishing, scoring 5.7 fewer than expected.
This gap in goals vs xG raises questions about finishing sustainability, but their defensive record is impressive, with an expected goals against (xGA) of 11.1, overperforming by allowing just 5 goals. Chelsea’s progressive play is evident with 540 progressive passes and 234 progressive carries, helping them dominate possession at around 57%. Defensively, they’ve made 187 tackles and 86 interceptions, totaling 273 defensive actions.
Recent matches reflect a mix. Chelsea’s last WSL game was a 3-0 win at Brighton on December 14, 2025, following a 0-1 home loss to Everton on December 7. Before that, they beat London City Lionesses 2-0 on November 1 and Tottenham 1-0 on October 12, and West Ham 4-0 on September 28. This form shows four wins and one loss in their last five WSL games, indicating consistency but a rare slip.
West Ham have struggled, scoring 8 goals from 12.0 xG, slightly underperforming in finishing, and conceding 24 from 21.0 xGA, underperforming defensively by 3 goals. Their progressive metrics are lower, with 316 progressive passes and 149 progressive carries, and possession at about 45%. Defensively, they’re active with 260 tackles and 109 interceptions (369 total actions).
Their record of 1 win, 2 draws, and 8 losses highlights difficulties, with their only points coming at home. Recent form includes a 1-4 loss at Brighton on September 21, and overall, they’ve won just once in 11, showing a team in need of a turnaround.
Head-to-head stats favor Chelsea heavily. In the last four meetings: September 28, 2025, West Ham 0-4 Chelsea (xG 1.8-2.7); March 30, 2025, Chelsea 2-2 West Ham (xG 2.5-1.1); January 19, 2025, West Ham 0-5 Chelsea (xG 0.4-2.3); March 24, 2024, West Ham 0-2 Chelsea (xG 1.2-1.3).
Chelsea are unbeaten, scoring 13 goals to West Ham’s 2, with the draw being the only blemish. This history adds context to the Chelsea vs West Ham WSL preview, suggesting Chelsea’s dominance but also West Ham’s potential to frustrate.
Tactics Preview in Chelsea vs West Ham WSL Preview
Chelsea’s tactical identity under their manager is built around control. They dominate matches through possession, progressive movement, and sustained pressure in the opponent’s half. This season, they have produced 332 shot-creating actions, averaging 30.18 per 90, a clear indicator of territorial dominance rather than reliance on moments.
Much of this creativity flows through Erin Cuthbert, whose 37 shot-creating actions and 1.6 expected assists underline her influence between the lines, and Alyssa Thompson, whose 31 shot-creating actions reflect Chelsea’s emphasis on wide penetration.
Chelsea’s high press is central to their game model. Their 187 tackles show how aggressively they disrupt opposition build-up, often forcing turnovers high up the pitch. Behind that press, the defensive structure is anchored by Millie Bright and Nathalie Björn. Bright’s 15 tackles and 18 interceptions, combined with Björn’s 14 tackles and 11 interceptions, provide both physical presence and positional discipline. This allows Chelsea to compress the pitch and sustain pressure without exposing themselves defensively.
In possession, Chelsea are expected to stretch West Ham by using the full width of the pitch. Ellie Carpenter and Sandy Baltimore, with 31 and 32 progressive carries respectively, will be key in pulling West Ham’s defensive block apart.
Central control will come from Keira Walsh, whose 64 progressive passes allow Chelsea to recycle possession and reset attacks, while Wieke Kaptein, with three assists, adds verticality and late runs that can exploit defensive gaps. The aim is clear: dominate the ball, move West Ham side to side, and force breakdowns in their defensive structure.
West Ham’s approach is far more reactive, shaped by survival rather than control. They have generated 211 shot-creating actions, averaging 19.18 per 90, relying heavily on moments of transition rather than sustained pressure. Creativity largely comes from Viviane Asseyi, with 34 shot-creating actions and two assists, and Riko Ueki, who leads with 35 shot-creating actions and three assists. These two are central to any attacking threat West Ham produces.
Defensively, West Ham commits fully. Their 260 tackles reflect a side prepared to defend deep and absorb pressure. In midfield, Oona Siren and Katrina Gorry are critical, combining defensive intensity with positional discipline. Siren’s 40 tackles and Gorry’s 33 tackles highlight their role in breaking uup playsand slowing Chelsea’s rhythm.
West Ham are likely to sit in a compact low block, conceding territory but protecting central areas, before attempting to break quickly through Ffion Morgan, whose 18 progressive carries offer an outlet on the counter.
Set pieces may represent West Ham’s clearest route to goal. They have generated 20 shot-creating actions from dead-ball situations, and with Amber Tysiak’s aerial presence, these moments could be decisive if Chelslosesose concentration.
Chelsea will try to suffocate the game through possession and width. West Ham will try to survive it through structure, tackles, and moments. The outcome hinges on whether Chelsea turns control into goals or whether West Ham can withstand the pressure long enough to strike back.
This Chelsea vs West Ham WSL preview fits into a competitive season where Chelsea aim for another title, having won the last six. Their squad depth, with contributors like Agnes Beever-Jones (4 goals) and Catarina Macario (2 assists), gives them an edge. West Ham, under Rehanne Skinner, seeks stability after a ninth-place finish last season and a Women’s FA Cup final in 2019. The league’s growth means more pressure, with newly promoted teams like London City adding competition.
