Sheffield United tackle West Ham tonight at Bramall Lane coming off the back of successive losses for the first time this season.
Defeats at both Liverpool and Manchester City have left the Blades in eighth place in the Premier League table. However, a win for Chris Wilder’s men will see them climb to fifth.
Sheffield United were well beaten by Liverpool last time out. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
The Hammers, meanwhile, are looking for a third successive win under David Moyes. The former Everton manager has guided his new team to two clean sheets in two games, scoring six goals along the way.
It’s all set up to be an intriguing encounter at Bramall Lane. While it won’t be talked about much by Blades fans, there is, of course, the slight bit of added animosity due to the club’s relegation from the Premier League back in 2007.
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Team news
Chris Wilder’s only injury worry comes in terms of his goalkeeping selection. Michael Verrips is definitely out with a concussion, while Simon Moore is touch and go.
That could mean a place on the bench for Jake Eastwood. The young stopper was recalled this week from a spell with Scunthorpe.
For the Hammers, they are missing a quartet of key players. Jack Wilshere, Ryan Fredericks, Michail Antonio, and Ukranian winger, Andriy Yarmolenko, are all missing.
David Moyes, then, will be looking to summer signing Sebastien Haller to come up with the good at Bramall Lane.
Last time out
The sides have already met in the Premier League this season. It ended 1-1 at the Olympic Stadium back in October. Robert Snodgrass got the opener that day before Lys Mousset volley in an equaliser.
Prior to that, the last meeting was in the League Cup back in 2014. The Blades came out on top that day on penalties. Michael Doyle sealing the win for United and celebrating in style in front of the West Ham fans.
Sheffield United beat West Ham on penalties six years ago in the League Cup. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
Head to head
There have been 88 meetings between the Hammers and the Blades over the years.
The last time both sides were in the Premier League, both sides got a win apiece through the season. At Bramall Lane, the Blades battered the Hammers 3-0. While at Upton Park, a Hayden Mullins goal gave the Hammers a 1-0 win.
Sheffield United hold the upper hand overall, however. The Blades have won 37 of the 88 games to the Hammers’ 30. There have been 21 draws in the process, too.
Our prediction
A few weeks ago we’d have backed the Blades to come out on top in this one pretty easily. However, David Moyes looks to have turned things around a bit and it’s a different tie all together now.
David McGoldrick will hope to get off the mark for Sheffield United against West Ham. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
The Hammers will be organised and will be looking to maintain momentum. Once again, the first goal could be crucial at Bramall Lane.
But, we’re backing United to come out on top here. We’re also backing David McGoldrick to finally break his duck and get 2020 up and running for him on a personal level.
Prediction – Blades 2-0 Hammers
