West Ham United and Everton both go into Sunday’s Women’s Super League meeting looking to build on their first victories of the season.
Rita Guarino’s side picked up their first three points with a 2-0 victory over London City Lionesses last weekend, when summer signings Kelly Gago and Viviane Asseyi scored the goals. Everton also got off the mark, beating Charlton Athletic 1-0 at Goodison Park.
With both teams beginning to settle after significant summer changes, Sunday’s meeting at Victoria Road offers an early opportunity to build some momentum.
West Ham United vs Everton match information
Fixture: West Ham United vs Everton
Competition: Women’s Super League
Date: Sunday, 20 September 2026
Kick-off: 2pm UK
Venue: Chigwell Construction Stadium, Victoria Road
How to watch West Ham United vs Everton
The match kicks off at 2pm in the UK on Sunday. For UK viewers, the game is available through the WSL’s domestic broadcast and streaming coverage. Supporters outside the UK should check their local WSL broadcaster for availability.
Live updates will also be available through both clubs’ official channels. Watching from outside the UK? Try the WSL YouTube, W Sport or read our article on where to watch the WSL.
West Ham building after first WSL victory
West Ham’s opening two matches have produced very different results. The Hammers began with a 3-1 defeat away to Tottenham Hotspur before responding impressively against London City Lionesses.
Gago opened the scoring against her former club’s London rivals before Asseyi added the second, while Guarino was particularly pleased with the way her new-look team performed.
There were also encouraging signs from West Ham’s midfield. Deadline-day signing Saki Kumagai made her first start alongside captain Katie Zelem, and Guarino believes the experienced pair already have a natural understanding.
“I think they have the chemistry to work together, they speak the same football language.”
That partnership could again be important against Everton, particularly if the visitors look to control possession and press West Ham higher up the pitch.
Gago will have some additional motivation. The France international faces her former club after leaving Everton for West Ham during the summer and comes into the match having scored her first Hammers goal last weekend.
West Ham team news
West Ham have received a significant boost with Laia Codina available again. Guarino highlighted the Spain international’s importance both defensively and as a leader within a squad containing several new arrivals.
Ffion Morgan remains unavailable, although Guarino said the Wales international is working hard towards her return. With West Ham producing their best performance of the young season against London City, Guarino may be reluctant to make significant changes.
Everton looking for more in attack
Everton also arrive with three points behind them after beating Charlton 1-0. Scott Phelan felt his team deserved the victory after controlling large periods of the game, but he has also identified Everton’s work in the final third as an area that needs improvement.
The Toffees have faced opponents willing to defend with numbers behind the ball in their opening matches. Phelan expects a different challenge on Sunday, with West Ham potentially playing more aggressively on home soil.
That could create more space for an Everton side featuring several summer arrivals, including Holly McNamara, Julia Rantala, Naomi Layzell and Hannah Silcock. McNamara has already made an impact, with her cross leading to the decisive own goal against Charlton.
Everton team news
Phelan reported no fresh injuries ahead of the trip to London. Megan Finnigan is also part of the Everton squad as she continues working her way back following a lengthy absence.
Phelan stressed the defender’s importance even while her minutes are being carefully managed, highlighting the standards and leadership she brings to the squad.
Predicted line-ups
Based on the opening matches and the latest availability information, West Ham could keep much of the side that defeated London City intact, although Codina’s return gives Guarino another option in defence.
West Ham predicted XI:
Picaud-Magnin; Endo, Codina, Cascarino, Riesen; Kumagai, Zelem; Gago, Piubel, Asseyi; Ueki.
Everton predicted XI:
Brosnan; Blundell, Ishikawa, Layzell, Kitagawa; Cain, Mace, Hayashi, Vignola: Kramzar, McNamara.
Previous meetings
There has been little between these teams recently. Everton won the most recent meeting 1-0 at Goodison Park in February, with Honoka Hayashi scoring the only goal.
West Ham had won the reverse fixture at Victoria Road 3-1 in November 2025. Home advantage has generally helped the Hammers in this fixture. West Ham have lost only one of their last six home meetings with Everton and conceded only twice across those matches.
What to expect
This looks considerably more balanced than West Ham’s opening two fixtures. The Hammers showed against London City that their summer rebuild is beginning to come together, and the Zelem-Kumagai midfield partnership gives Guarino considerable experience in the centre of the pitch.
Everton, meanwhile, have been organised and competitive under Phelan but need to turn more of their possession and attacking situations into clear chances.
One of the most interesting battles could come when Everton have the ball. Phelan expects West Ham to be more adventurous at home than the opponents Everton have faced so far, potentially leaving spaces for the visitors to attack.
For West Ham, another strong performance would provide further evidence that last weekend’s victory was the beginning of something rather than an isolated result.
Prediction West Ham United vs Everton
Both sides should take confidence from last weekend, and there does not appear to be a major gap between them at this stage of the season.
West Ham’s home advantage and the return of Codina strengthen their position, but Everton have looked difficult to break down.
Prediction: West Ham United 1-1 Everton
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