West Ham United vs Sheffield United
Date: 15/02/2021
K/O: 18:00
Venue: The London Stadium
Referee: Simon Hooper
TV: BT sport
The high-flying Hammers host a revitalised Sheffield United on Monday evening, as David Moyes’ side look to return to winning ways in the capital.
Last time out West Ham were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw against Fulham. The Hammers were forced to settle for a point at Craven Cottage after they failed to convert their dominance into goals. Resilient defending from The Cottagers earned them a fair point, but it meant Moyes’s side slipped into sixth place after Chelsea won at the weekend.
Sheffield United lost their 18th league game last week, losing 2-1 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Mason Mount scored the opener minutes before halftime, with a fine strike. The Blades fought back in the second half and managed to equalise through an Antonio Rudiger own goal. United’s joy was soon cut short, as Jorginho converted a 58th-minute penalty to win the game. The loss meant Sheffield United missed out on the chance to overtake West Brom, who have been above them since game week three.
West Ham are having a remarkable season and already have the same amount of points as they finished with last year. With 23 games played, the Hammers are level on points with Chelsea, one point away from Liverpool and in with a good chance of European football next season. Certainly not something which was expected compared to last season, where West Ham finished in 16th place.
Sheffield United’s form has started to pick up in recent weeks. Their first win of the season against Newcastle came almost a month ago and since then, the Blades have picked up nine points from six games – closing the gap on fellow relegation candidates, West Brom and Fulham. Sheffield United’s fate almost seems set in stone, but these recent performances show that Wilder has reignited some belief and momentum in the United dressing room.
The most notable victory of late came against Manchester United at Old Trafford, as the Blades stunned the Red Devils in a 2-1 win. Regardless of the poor Manchester United performance, the result goes to show that the Blades are capable of winning big games and should attack the second half of the season with nothing to lose.
Not only have results been going their way in the league, but the Blades have progressed to the quarterfinals of the FA Cup, by beating Plymouth Argyle and Bristol City. They now face Chelsea in four weeks’ time.
West Ham have started the calendar year in fine form, losing just one of their previous five league games. A key feature to the Hammers’ success this season has been their defensive stability – they recorded their seventh clean sheet against Fulham last week. The Hammer’s start to this year has only been bettered by Manchester City, who have 24 points from six games, compared to West Ham’s 16.
Chris Wilder’s side will have gathered momentum from their midweek FA Cup victory and will be inspired by the prospect of overtaking West Brom. The Blades will certainly bring the game to the Hammers, but David Moyes has sowed the seed of European football and won’t want to drop any points at this stage of the season.
Team News
West Ham United
David Moyes is hopeful that Michail Antonio will be ready in time for Monday night’s clash against the Blades. The Hammers striker missed the FA Cup game against Manchester United but has since returned to training after worries of a hamstring problem.
Andriy Yarmolenko is facing a spell on the sidelines following a knee ligament injury blow dealt on Tuesday. In defence, Angelo Ogbonna is also set to be out. Ogbonna could be facing more than a month out following a collision with Anthony Martial on Tuesday, which saw the defender hobble off with an ankle injury.
Sheffield United
Chris Wilder could be without a few key men in defence. George Baldock could be in contention after he sat out the game against Chelsea with a muscle injury. Enda Stevens is also a doubt, as he has not played the last four games for the Blades, as he recovers from a calf injury. Jack Robinson remains a long-term absentee.
In the midfield, Sander Berge remains unavailable with a hamstring issue which sees him out until late March. In attack, Wilder has all his options available for Monday night’s clash. David McGoldrick didn’t start against Chelsea so the Blades top scorer will be fresh and ready to lead the line against the Hammers.
Predicted Starting XIs
West Ham United (4-2-3-1): Fabianski; Coufal, Dawson, Diop, Cresswell; Rice, Soucek; Bowen, Lingard, Benrahma; Antonio
Sheffield United (3-5-2): Ramsdale; Basham, Egan, Ampadu; Bogle, Lundstram, Norwood, Fleck, Lowe; McGoldrick, Sharp
Score Prediction: West Ham United 2-1 Sheffield United
West Ham have been great so far this season and I’m backing them to get the three points on Monday night. I think their attacking impetus will be too much for the Blades who may leave themselves open defensively. The Blades will certainly be up for this game, but I think it will come down to the final third, and I’m backing West Ham to outscore Sheffield United.
