The midfielder has enjoyed an impressive 249 outings in blue since leaving her native Scotland at only 18 years old. It has proved to be a fruitful combination, with Cuthbert lifting 14 domestic trophies along the way.

And while she has yet to reach the milestone, which could be celebrated at the Chigwell Construction Stadium this afternoon, it is an imminent career landmark that already has Cuthbert beaming with great pride.

'It feels surreal even to say the number 250, to be honest,' she said. 'It would be an immensely proud moment for me.

'When I came to Chelsea, I didn't think I would make as many appearances as I have, but I've just grown such an affinity and love for the club. Every time I step out on the pitch, I love every single second and I still play every game like it is my first. I'm still trying to impress!

'I've played with so many different players who have come and gone, but, for me, it feels like here is the best place for me to develop.

'The club have given so much to me and, equally, I feel like I have given so much in return. It's been a good relationship for many years and we have had a lot of success. I don't think I'd have got that anywhere else.'

Sonia Bompastor's side, who sit six points clear of the top of the league table, will be aiming to restart our WSL campaign on a positive note when we face the Hammers.

The London derby clash is our maiden league encounter of 2025 and the first in six weeks for Cuthbert as she was suspended for our final match of last year: a 1-1 draw with Leicester City at the King Power Stadium - the only time the Blues have dropped points this season.

'I haven't played a league game in a while because I was suspended for the Leicester game before Christmas,' Cuthbert explained. 'We've got a bit of a point to prove after dropping points in that game.

'We want to get off to a good start early on in 2025. The teams are all getting stronger at this time of year. We had a good first half of the season, but now this is really us starting to go into the business end.

'This is when we have to go up another level. We have to set a statement out early.

'We have had some really intense training sessions where we have been able to work on things that maybe we couldn't during the first half of the season because there are so many games.

'It's all about putting that into the game on Sunday and implementing what the manager wants us to go and do. She's demanding intensity and a high level from everyone which is good. It's up to us now to go and perform.'

Last season, Cuthbert had an impressive record against today's opponents, scoring in both our league wins against West Ham and in our fourth-round FA Cup victory.

But, the midfielder says, she also remembers how much of a challenge they can be, especially on home turf. Despite sitting 10th in the league table, West Ham have only lost once at home this season and have collected seven of their eight points at the Chigwell Construction Stadium.

'That would be nice (to score again) on Sunday!' Cuthbert said. 'I remember playing them away before and they had a lot of chances. They hit the post, should have scored and we felt like we got a bit lucky, to be honest.

'I'm under no illusion to the threats that they pose. They are a very good team. When they play at home, they know how to be compact.

'They have got good players, especially up top. (Riko) Ueki and (Viviane) Asseyi are quick players and (Katrina) Gorry in midfield is always a player who can cause problems. They have players who can hurt us.

'But, we have to be patient. It's about breaking a team down. We have to limit their chances because if you don't do that, sooner rather than later they will punish you.'