When asked about her expectations of West Ham, the Chelsea boss insisted she will not take them lightly and explained the qualities that our opposition hold.
‘We know it’s a derby, it will be a really tough game, I’ve watched West Ham under their new manager and I know they will provide a very stern test for me.
‘They are a big team, they are good from set-pieces, they are aggressive in the second balls. They are direct in their play, they get numbers around and are going to make it hard.
‘It’s going to be a scrap first and foremost and I told my players today that playing against West Ham or any other London rival in a one-off moment has nothing to do with league form. We have to be switched on because this is no easy game.
‘We’ve lost a lot of semi-finals so I’m reminded of being in this position and there is nothing worse than being in a semi-final and losing out.
‘I’ve got so many memories of being in this situation, it’s the worst place to be in. It’s their cup final, it’s our cup final tomorrow and I know both sets of dressing rooms will treat it as the one-off that it is.’
Hayes confirmed that injured players have returned to full fitness and that she has her whole squad to select from ahead of tomorrow’s cup clash.
‘I have got a full quota, I don’t have any injuries. Erin Cuthbert is back, Jess Carter is back, I’ve got a full glut of players to pick from so I’ve got even more selection problems as a result.’
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