'We can cause Chelsea problems' - Skinner

West Ham head coach Rehanne Skinner says her side can cause Women's Super League leaders Chelsea problems when the two meet on Sunday.

The Hammers host the Blues (15:00 GMT kick-off) in their first game back from the Christmas break and will look to build on their recent home form.

Seven of their eight WSL points this season have come at the Chigwell Construction Stadium, with Arsenal the only side to beat them there in the league this season.

"I think our home ground has been made tremendous by the fans to be honest," said Skinner. "It's a difficult place to come to and the players love playing at home and we've had some good results there. I think then that gives us a lot of confidence going into the game.

"We're confident with the way we are defending and how we're sticking together. That's only got more and more composed as time has gone on and I think we can make life difficult for them in certain areas.

"It's just going to be up to taking chances at key moments and managing the game as effectively as we can."

Here are the key lines from Skinner's news conference:

• Skinner said West Ham are always looking to improve their squad with the transfer window currently open.

• The West Ham boss described Shekiera Martinez's form on loan at Freiburg as "fantastic", adding that she now has the visa required to be playing in the WSL which will "add value" to the squad following her recall.

• Skinner describes the long-term contracts signed by defenders Amber Tysiak and Anouk Denton as a "statement of intent" from West Ham. Both signed deals until the summer of 2028 earlier this month.

• On starting the New Year with four games out of six at home, Skinner said it is "fantastic for the fans" getting to watch so many home matches in quick succession.