West Ham United vs Sheffield United
Date: 26/10/2019
K/O: 15:00
Venue: The London Stadium
Referee: David Coote
Sheffield United will look to build on their fantastic win against Arsenal as West Ham go in search of a victory to return to winning ways.
It’s been a reasonably inconsistent start to the season for the Hammers; the positives surrounding the rejuvenated form of Anderson, along with the summer signing of Sebastian Haller have in a way been dampened by the same old issues at the London Stadium, including the same old defensive issues.
The defeat at Goodison Park last week brought danger signs to the Claret and Blue army, as a poor attacking and defensive display ultimately cost them all three points, and there will be no better way to rectify the poor form than a victory at home to United.
Chris Wilder’s side have defied all the odds since coming back into the Premier League. With famous wins against Everton and Arsenal, along with one of the best defences in the league highlights how the well-drilled work of the coaching staff has come into fruition, as they bid to survive in their first season in the top flight.
It is these kind of games though that Sheffield United will need to keep on winning if they are to survive, and on current performances, they surely walk away as favourites to beat West Ham at the London Stadium.
This game is massive for both teams in achieving their targets, however there is arguably more pressure on Manuel Pellegrini as he looks to finally guide the Irons into a European spot; and with this season being viewed as an ideal opportunity to do so, there is no more room for error in their home games against the teams outside the top s0x, which is why they will need to be really up for it if they are to pick up any points here.
Team News
West Ham
West Ham have no fresh injuries, with Fabianski still being the only missing link in the side. A big loss, considering his remarkable goal saving tally, however Roberto proved last week his shot-stopping may be able to last West Ham a few more weeks.
Andriy Yarmolenko is expected to start as well after Pablo Fornals failed to impress in previous fixtures, and there could also be a return to the side for Jack Wilshere.
Sheffield United
Sheffield United have no injuries, meaning Christ Wilder is free to pick whoever he pleases, which is most likely set to be the same side that impressed against Arsenal.
The defence hasn’t changed much since the start of the season, and this familiar pattern is set to continue going into the next match-week, as they look to pick up another three points and clean sheet.
Key battle: Haller vs Basham
The striker will be hungry to return to his impressive goal scoring form at the start of the season, as well as his hold up play which was so useful to players like Felipe Anderson, and the Sheffield United defender will be relishing the prospect of a physical battle against Haller.
Predicted Starting XIs
West Ham (4-3-3): Roberto; Fredericks, Diop, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Rice, Noble, Wilshere; Yarmolenko, Haller, Anderson
Sheffield United (3-5-2): Henderson; Basham, Egan, O’Connell; Baldock, Lundstram, Norwood, Fleck, Stevens; McGoldrick, Mousset
Score Prediction: West Ham United 0-0 Sheffield United
I think Sheffield United’s defensive strengths will come out on top, in a game which I think won’t be too entertaining for neutrals. It will be a better point for the Blades than for the Hammers, and it will certainly give both sets of fans more to think about going into the Christmas period.
