Set-pieces could prove the key factor as West Ham host Sheffield United

West Ham have netted a league-high 12 goals from corners and indirect free-kicks this campaign.

Their opponents on Monday night, Sheffield United, rank joint-highest for goals conceded from these scenarios, level with Leeds United.

David Moyes’ men will aim to capitalise on this advantage, with the Hammers potentially rising into the top four with victory.

Czech midfielder Tomas Soucek is one of a number of beneficiaries from these set-pieces, with the former Slavia Prague player netting eight Premier League goals so far this season. English full-back Aaron Cresswell is often the man standing over set-pieces for the Londoners and tops the club’s assist charts this campaign with five.

Also creating six big chances for his side this term, his manager has been full of praise for the defender and tipped him with an outside chance of making Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2021 squad.

For Sheffield United, Chris Wilder will hope the encouraging performances against both Manchester clubs can kickstart their battle against relegation. The Blades are still some way adrift at the bottom, 14 points from safety with only 13 matches left to be played.

Despite their struggles, Moyes isn’t anticipating an easy fixture against the Premier League’s bottom side.

“I don’t think Sheffield United have been an easy team for anyone to play against, certainly for the couple of years they’ve been in the Premier League.

“Also, I’d say there aren’t any easy games in the Premier League. Every game is a tough game and we see Sheffield United as a tough game.

“They’ve got their own reasons for wanting to pick up points, but we’ve got our own reasons as well and we want to keep pushing on.”

In the reverse fixture in November at Bramall Lane, a strike from the now departed Sebastien Haller separated the two teams.

A striker for the visitors, Billy Sharp, will hope to further write his name into Sheffield United history books by beating another club record against the Hammers. The 35-year-old’s goals has won the Blades 10 Premier League points, with only the 11 points secured by Brian Deane’s strikes ahead of the veteran striker.

Tom Hardy will be at the London Stadium for West Ham’s Monday night fixture against Sheffield United.

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