West Ham United vs Sheffield United

Premier League basement boys Sheffield United take a trip to the London Stadium to meet West Ham United.

West Ham squeaked past lower-league Lincoln 1-0 in midweek League Cup action, racking up a fifth win in seven competitive matches (L2). However, their form has fluctuated lately, with their last five outings alternating between victories (3) and defeats (2). David Moyes’ side responded well to a 3-1 loss at Liverpool in the previous Premier League round, and the impending home return should bolster their bid to stay on the upward trajectory. West Ham’s three competitive home games this season have yielded an identical 3-1 scoreline (W2, L1), with the side to open the scoring going on to lose in the last two. The ‘Hammers’ will be confident of not losing this one after going unbeaten in all three Premier League home clashes against Sheffield United in the 21st century (W2, D1).

Meanwhile, a week of rest may have been insufficient for Sheffield United to rally their troops after Newcastle United humbled them 8-0 at Bramall Lane last weekend, condemning them to a fifth loss in six Premier League games this season (D1). Under-pressure manager Paul Heckingbottom is flirting with a dismissal, with his side leaking a league-high 17 goals this term. However, the ‘Blades’ have surprisingly fared well against West Ham, going undefeated in 12 of their last 16 H2Hs (W6, D6), highlighting the potential of their first Premier League triumph since May 2021. United will need more than just the H2H stakes to upset the apple cart in London after losing both away league matches this season via the same 2-1 scoreline, including a frustrating defeat at West Ham’s cross-city rivals Tottenham last time out.