Leicester City v West Ham United women’s team
Barclays Women’s Super League, King Power Stadium, Sunday 17 December 2023
West Ham United women’s team head to King Power Stadium on Sunday for their final Barclays Women’s Super League fixture of 2023.
The Hammers are hoping to come away with points against Leicester City before the league campaign pauses for four weeks over Christmas and the early part of the new year.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game!
Tickets
Tickets are available to purchase from £8 for Adults and £4 for Concessions, which you can buy from the visitors' official website by clicking here!
How to follow
The fixture will be shown live on the FA Player, which you can watch for free!
Alternatively, you can also follow the action across our social media channels, while highlights and exclusive reactions will follow after the final whistle on whufc.com.
Previous Meetings
West Ham United have faced off against the Foxes four times in competitive action, winning three of those games.
The first meeting saw the Hammers run our 4-0 winners at Chigwell Construction Stadium on 26 September 2021. Australian midfielder Tameka Yallop opened her account in Claret & Blue before a goal from Claudia Walker and two own goals from Ashleigh Plumptre and Kirstie Levell secured a big win at home.
Most recently, a Dagný Brynjarsdóttir penalty would secure an important 2-1 win at King Power Stadium on 21 May 2023. Anouk Denton's cross was deflected into her own net by Sophie Howard to give the Irons the lead before Brynjarsdóttir tucked in a spot kick in the second half.
The Opposition
Leicester City are almost halfway through their first full season under the stewardship of Willie Kirk, who has been in charge of the Foxes for just over a year.
Under his leadership last term, Leicester escaped relegation after picking up all 16 of their points after the Christmas break. After a fruitful summer transfer window which saw nine permanent arrivals, as well as 16 leave permanently, Kirk’s revolution is well underway.
The Foxes have made a decent start to the 2023/24 season but have struggled for consistency and a win in recent times. They made a strong start, beating Bristol City and Everton in their first two WSL games, but haven’t been able to find a victory since. Leicester currently sit in 8th position in the standings heading into the game.
Finland international Jutta Ratala leads the way in goal this term, having notched four goals in 12 appearances so far this season since joining from Vittsjö GIK this summer. Lena Petermann and Janice Cayman both have three goals and will also be threats on Sunday.
Kirk originally joined Leicester City in July 2022 as their first-ever director of football for their first team and academy. However, he would only hold the role until early November, when he replaced Lydia Bedford as manager.
The 45-year-old Scot has previously worked at Everton, where he was manager for almost three years, as well as Bristol City. He also worked under Casey Stoney when she was manager at Manchester United.
