David Moyes look to continue an unbeaten start to his second stint at West Ham as the Hammers visit Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in this week’s Friday Night Football.
A win will temporarily take the Blades up to fifth whilst West Ham can move five points clear of the drop if they take victory.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesSimon Moore is line to return for Sheffield United if he can pass a late fitness test after a recent groin injury.
Michael Verrips however could miss out with concussion and if Moore isn’t fit, Dean Henderson will be the Blades’ only fit senior goalkeeper available for selection.
West Ham could welcome Mark Noble and Aaron Cresswell back after the pair missed Sunday’s FA Cup win at Gillingham with knocks, although Noble’s knock is specifically to his ankle.
Michail Antonio is also expected to be in contention as he continues his comeback from a lengthy thigh injury.
David Martin (muscle), Ryan Fredericks, Andriy Yarmolenko (both hamstring) and Jack Wilshire (groin) are all ruled out.
Form
Sheffield United have lost their last two league games of which both were away to two of the top three clubs, although they’re unbeaten in six of their last seven at home in all competitions.
West Ham are unbeaten in their two games under Moyes across all competitions, with six goals scored and none conceded but have won just two of their last six league games.
Stat Attack
- Sheffield United have lost just one of their last five meetings with West Ham in all competitions (W3, D1, L1).
- West Ham have avoided defeat in three of five previous Premier League clashes with the Blades (W1, D2, L2).
- The Blades have scored three goals in each of their two previous home Premier League games against West Ham, winning on both occasions.
- Sheffield United’s Chris Basham has produced a joint league-high 61 headed clearances alongside Burnley’s James Tarkowski.
- Just four West Ham players have hit the woodwork this season.
Prediction
Sheffield United have had quite a tough festive season but at home, this is a huge chance to get their top five ambition back on track with a strong performance after several regulars were rested on Sunday.
West Ham however have quickly rediscovered their groove under Moyes in terms of attacking ability with six goals and two clean sheets, so will be a tough test for Dean Henderson if they’re on tune.
I therefore have a feeling that this could well finish in a draw but the Hammers haven’t won here in the Premier League before, so I am going for a tight Blades victory.
Prediction: Sheffield United 2-1 West Ham United
Result: Sheffield United 1-0 West Ham United