Preview: West Ham vs Manchester United | Key Stats & Predictions | WSL Round 19
We look ahead to Saturday's WSL clash at the Chigwell Construction Stadium with our West Ham vs Manchester United prediction and preview. Can the Hammers' impressive home form end United's title hope?
📅 Date: Saturday, 19th April 2025
⏰ Kick-off: 12:00 BST
📍 Venue: Chigwell Construction Stadium
📺 How to Watch: Sky Sports
🔍 Match Context & Overview
West Ham host Manchester United in a clash that pits mid-table ambition against title-chasing excellence. The Red Devils arrive in East London firmly established in 3rd place with 42 points (W13 D3 L2), while West Ham sit in 7th place with 19 points (W5 D4 L9).
Manchester United enter this fixture in strong form, having won their last two matches and four of their last five. West Ham, meanwhile, have been inconsistent but remain unbeaten in their last two games, suggesting improved stability after a challenging season.
This match represents a fascinating contrast between West Ham's formidable home record and Manchester United's exceptional away form, with both teams showing distinctly different qualities on the statistical front.
🔴 Manchester United's Title Hope?
Currently third in the WSL, Manchester United's season has been built on extraordinary defensive resilience. They've conceded just 9 goals in 18 matches—the league's best defensive record—while maintaining an efficient attack that has netted 36 goals.
United's away form has been impressive with six wins, one draw, and two losses on the road, accumulating 19 points away from Old Trafford. Their ability to control games through possession (50.2%) and create quality chances (398 shot-creating actions) has been fundamental to their success.
Defensively, United have been exceptional, keeping 12 clean sheets in 18 matches (66.7%). Their goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce has the best save percentage in the league (87.5%), while Maya Le Tissier anchors a defense that has recovered the ball 966 times—the second-highest in the WSL behind Arsenal's 1009.
🔵 West Ham's Home Comfort
West Ham's season has been defined by a stark contrast between their home and away performances. At the Chigwell Construction Stadium, they've been formidable, collecting 17 points (W5 D2 L2) compared to just 2 points on their travels (W0 D2 L7).
Their attack has been productive with 24 goals scored this season, slightly overperforming their expected goals (23.7 xG). However, defensively they've been vulnerable, conceding 33 goals despite an xGA of 31.7.
West Ham's tactical approach focuses on defensive solidity and counter-attacking opportunities. They lead the league in clearances (620) and make more tackles (299 successful tackles) than Manchester United (274), highlighting their defensive work rate.
🔥 Key Battle Areas
The most fascinating tactical battle will be between Manchester United's possession-based approach and West Ham's counter-attacking strategy. United's aerial prowess (51% success rate, 245 duels won) against West Ham's league-leading clearance statistics (620) creates an intriguing dynamic.
Set pieces could prove decisive, with both teams showing strength in this area—Manchester United having scored 5 goals from free kicks and West Ham 6. However, West Ham have conceded 4 goals from corners and 3 own goals this season, suggesting vulnerability against United's aerial threat.
West Ham's wing-focused attack will test United's fullbacks, while United's ability to create through live passes (294 shot-creating actions from live passes) will challenge West Ham's compact defensive structure.
Key Stats:
Manchester United points: 42 from 18 matches (W13 D3 L2)
West Ham points: 19 from 18 matches (W5 D4 L9)
Manchester United away record: W6 D1 L2, 19 points
West Ham home record: W5 D2 L2, 17 points
Manchester United goals: 36 scored, 9 conceded (+27)
West Ham goals: 24 scored, 33 conceded (-9)
🏆 Head-to-Head Analysis
Manchester United hold a dominant record against West Ham in WSL competition, winning 7 of their 10 meetings, with West Ham claiming just one victory and two draws. The most recent encounter saw United comfortable 3-0 winners at Old Trafford in September 2024.
The statistical comparison is equally stark:
Manchester United have scored 36 goals from 31.0 xG (+5.0)
West Ham have scored 24 goals from 23.7 xG (+0.3)
United have conceded just 9 goals despite an xGA of 17.7 (+8.7)
West Ham have conceded 33 goals with an xGA of 31.7 (-1.3)
This suggests a significant quality gap between the two sides, despite West Ham's improved home performances this season.
🔎 Players to Watch
Elisabeth Terland (Manchester United)
United's top scorer with 9 goals (0.62 goals per 90 minutes), Terland's finishing ability will be crucial against West Ham's defensive unit. Her movement and positioning have been key factors in United's attacking success this season.
Grace Clinton (Manchester United)
Clinton has been remarkably clinical with 7 goals from an xG of just 4.2, demonstrating exceptional finishing quality. Her ability to overperform expected goals could be decisive in what might be a tight contest.
Viviane Asseyi (West Ham)
West Ham's attacking focal point with 6 goals (including 2 penalties) and 5 assists. Asseyi leads her team in goal-creating actions (11) and will be central to any attacking success against United's formidable defense.
Shekiera Martinez (West Ham)
An efficient finisher with 5 goals from just 6.1 90-minute appearances (0.82 goals per 90), Martinez offers West Ham a genuine goal threat. Her clinical edge in limited minutes highlights her impact.
Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United)
United's goalkeeper has been exceptional with a league-best 87.5% save percentage and 12 clean sheets in 18 matches. Her shot-stopping ability has been fundamental to United's defensive record and will be tested by West Ham's home attacking threat.
📌 Prediction
Based on comprehensive statistical analysis, we forecast:
Manchester United win: 62%
West Ham win: 18%
Draw: 20%
Key Factors:
Manchester United's superior overall quality and defensive record
West Ham's strong home form (17 points at Chigwell Construction Stadium)
The contrast between United's possession game and West Ham's counter-attacking approach
United's excellent away record (19 points) versus West Ham's home advantage
Historical head-to-head record strongly favoring Manchester United
📢 Have Your Say!
Can West Ham's home form end Manchester United's title hope? Will United's defensive solidity continue against West Ham's attack? Which players will prove decisive in this intriguing WSL clash? Drop your predictions in the comments!