West Ham host Sheffield United in mid-table clash

With the Hammers hosting Sheffield United this weekend both will be in search of three points to aid their good starts to the league campaign.

The last time the two met was back in 2014 in the League Cup, Diafra Sakho had given West Ham the lead however Winston Reids own goal meant that the Blades were back in the game. The game ended as a 1-1 draw with it going to penalties and Sheffield United claimed the win as it ended 5-4 in the shoot-out.

The hosts have suffered an awful last four games with the London based side failing to win in the last four matches. United have lost 2-0 to Everton, 2-1 against Crystal Palace, then drew 2-2 with AFC Bournemouth and  were humiliated by League One side Oxford United. Before that, they’d beaten a weak Manchester United 2-0 and drew 0-0 with newly-promoted Aston Villa.

In terms of form, the Blades go into this game being unbeaten in the last two as they shocked Arsenal beating them 1-0 whilst also drawing 0-0 with bottom-placed Watford. Apart from a 2-0 win over Everton they’d struggled before this losing three at home, 1-0 to Liverpool; 1-0 to League One side Sunderland and 1-0 to Southampton.

Both sides going into this game sitting on 12 points from a possible 27, however, Sheffield United sit 9th because of their +1 goal difference, while West Ham are 11th with a -2 goal difference.

This game has the added history of the Carlos Tevez debacle where the former Argentine international played despite being ineligible during a Premier League match when the two last met in the top-flight during the 2006/2007. His goals helped the Hammers to safety whilst the Blades were relegated.

What the bosses had to say:

Pellegrini on his side’s recent run of form:

“First of all, we met Everton in a difficult moment. It was very similar to the game last season. They played every ball like a final, had more energy and won. They are a difficult team, I am more disappointed to lose to Palace. Two defeats in a row, we must stop it immediately.

“It’s hard for every team. Maybe beating Crystal Palace here at home when we had the option to do it, we should be six or seventh in the table. Every game you must play as you are playing the best teams, you must have that mentality.”

Chris Wilder on the hammers compared to Sheffield United:

“I think they are a very similar club to Sheffield United – a working-class club from the east end of London and the supporters want to see them play good football and work hard.

“We are just going to enjoy going to the London Stadium and seeing if we can keep intact our great away record that we are very proud of so far.”

Head to Head-

West Ham Wins- 30

Draws- 20

Sheffield United Wins- 37

Team News-

West Ham will be without Michail Antonio (Thigh) and Lukasz Fabianski (Thigh) as they still suffer from long-term injuries while Winston Reid (Knee) will feature for the Under-23 side next week. Aaron Cresswell should be available following making his return from a groin strain.

Sheffield United are the only side in the Premier League who currently have no players out injured. Wilder so far this season has named the same back five in every league match so it’s likely he will continue with that, though he is expected to make attacking changes.