We're looking to go into the October international break on a high with our Barclays Women's Super League clash with West Ham United.

Our Gunners head to Dagenham with a point to prove off the back of a 4-1 win in the Champions League on Wednesday. A slow start to proceedings in the WSL means that three points on Sunday afternoon is more vital than ever.

LAST TIME AROUND Watch Arsenal video online

Our last trip to the Chigwell Construction Stadium ended in a frustrating 2-1 defeat. We took the lead in the first half through an Alessia Russo header, only for Viviane Asseyi and Hawa Cissoko to nab a victory for the hosts before the hour mark.

We beat the Hammers comfortably on the reverse fixture at Meadow Park, with Frida Maanum and Beth Mead on the scoresheet.

THE OPPOSITION With just two points from a possible 12 so far this season, it's been a rocky start to 2024/25 for Rehanne Skinner's side. Draws against both Merseyside clubs - Liverpool and Everton - have offset their losses to Manchester United and Manchester City, but were it not for a superior 'goals scored' tally, the Hammers would be sitting in bottom place after four games.

Significant squad changes in the summer may have impacted West Ham's ability to find a rhythm early on. This summer saw the Hammers say goodbye to the likes of goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, fullback Risa Shimizu and defender Hawa Cissoko, as well as welcoming eight new arrivals.

West Ham finished second-from-bottom last campaign and haven't earned a victory in the league since February. That win, however, came against us last season, meaning our squad will be especially determined to bring three points back to north London this time around.

FACTS AND STATS We have won nine of our 11 WSL fixtures against West Ham United, but only one of the last three. West Ham's win last season was their first-ever against us in the league Lia Walti could make her 100th WSL appearance against the Hammers on Sunday. She would be the eighth player at our club to reach this milestone West Ham United are currently on the longest winless run in the league, having gone 13 games without a victory. Their last WSL win came against us in February This match could be Kim Little's 350th for the club. Our skipper is our fourth-most capped player ever, just seven games behind Jayne Ludlow. Emma Byrne and Ciara Grant lead the way with 459 and 403 appearances respectively The Hammers have played 18.7% of their passes long this season, the highest ratio in the league. Meanwhile, we have played just 7.4% of our passes long WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY Watch Arsenal video online

Slegers on West Ham: "I know the tough game we had away last season there. We spoke about some details from the Valerenga game and what we need to bring to West Ham on Sunday. So that's definitely in our heads.

"We're looking at the conditions we're going to play in: the type of pitch and the type of opposition, and then we need to get the tactical plan together as well. We played against them in the preseason in a training game as well."

Skinner on us: "On the day, it's eleven vs eleven, and anyone can take points off anyone. That's the status of the league now, and I think for us, you can't get too caught up in what's gone on there and what they're doing.

"That's not something that we can focus on. All we can focus on is trying to make sure that we bring our best version of ourselves to the game, because we will need to, as they're a top side with top players. But if we do that, and we do that right, then we'll be competitive, and we'll make life difficult for them."

TEAM NEWS After missing our Champions League tie on Wednesday, Lotte Wubben-Moy returned to team training on Friday morning. "We'll have to see how she reacts so it's still pending for Sunday. Otherwise, it's the same squad."

Laura Wienroither remains unavailable and Victoria Pelova is continuing her ACL recovery. Amanda Ilestedt remains on maternity leave.

MATCH OFFICIALS Referee: Tom ParsonsAssistant referees: Chloe-Ann Small and Leoni HarlandFourth official: Stacey Pearson

HOW TO WATCH

Kick-off at the Chigwell Construction Stadium is 3pm UK.

Supporters will be able to watch the action live from home via the official Barclays Women's Super League YouTube channel.

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