Chelsea Women Predicted Lineup vs West Ham for January 14

This is a Chelsea Women predicted lineup for their FA Cup clash with West Ham in a London derby. The Blues return from the winter break with two key stars missing due to injury after their top striker Sam Kerr tore her ACL during their recent training camp in Morocco.

Chelsea Women Predicted Lineup vs West Ham Women

Good morning from Cobham! 🌞

It’s matchday minus one. 💪 pic.twitter.com/mmiV9QsSBi

— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) January 13, 2024

How Chelsea Women Have Lined Up Recently

It’s been a little while since we’ve seen the team play but just before the break, there were three different players trusted to start in goals with Ann-Katrin Berger, Zećira Mušović, and Hannah Hampton getting stars between the sticks. Jess Carter, Ashley Lawrence, Maren Mjelde, Niamh Charles, Kadeisha Buchanan, and Ève Périsset have featured in defence in the absence of Millie Bright.

The midfield has generally seen a double pivot behind an attacking trio with the pivot tending to feature any two of Erin Cuthbert, Sophie Ingle, and Sjoeke Nüsken. Ahead of them has been Fran Kirby, Jessie Fleming, Lauren James, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Guro Reiten, and Aggie Beever-Jones sharing the minutes.

Kerr has generally been trusted to lead the line as the striker but her injury should open up minutes for Mia Fishel who has one goal in her relatively limited minutes so far.

Chelsea Women Recent Form and Tactics

Emma Hayes has largely used a fluid 4-2-3-1 set up that at times shifts to a back 3 when in possession, which has become a popular choice for top teams in the men’s game. Aside from a recent draw with Hacken and a defeat to Arsenal, this formation has seen them get results.

The collapse against the Gunners and injuries to key players could force a change in the setup but Hayes has experimented with formations enough this season to have a few up her sleeve. The 3-4-3 has been used in some matches, as has a 4-1-4-1, either of which could be used to offset their current losses.

Chelsea Women Injuries to Consider

Per Emma Sanders, the manager has confirmed what most already knew as Kerr and Bright won’t be available for this match. No update was provided on long-term absentees Cat Macario or Kateřina Svitková, nor was anything mentioned about Aniek Nouwen who also went down with an ACL injury recently. Charles will also miss the tie due to a suspension after picking up a red card against Bristol City.