West Ham United is set to host Sheffield United at the London Stadium in a highly anticipated Premier League clash this Saturday.
Both teams are eager to bounce back from recent disappointments and secure crucial points.
This West Ham vs Sheffield United match also presents an exciting opportunity for Mohammed Kudus, who has been making waves for West Ham, to make his mark in the Premier League after a successful stint in the Europa League.
In this article, we'll delve into the lineups, recent form, and make a prediction for this intriguing encounter.
West Ham vs Sheffield United: Recent form
West Ham's Premier League campaign started impressively under the guidance of manager David Moyes.
However, they recently suffered back-to-back defeats against top-tier giants Manchester City and Liverpool.
Despite spirited performances, the Hammers lost both matches 3-1, ending their unbeaten streak for the season.
Their upcoming fixture against struggling Sheffield United provides an opportunity to return to winning ways.
Kudus, the talented Ghanaian midfielder, is on a mission to make his mark in the Premier League by netting his first goal in the competition.
Kudus, who has already showcased his goal-scoring prowess with two impressive strikes for West Ham in the Europa League, is eager to translate his success onto the English top-flight stage.
With his skill and determination, Kudus will be a key player to watch as he seeks to open his Premier League scoring account and contribute to West Ham's campaign in the league.
West Ham's schedule is softening after challenging clashes, including a hard-fought Europa League victory over Backa Topola and a narrow Carabao Cup win against third-tier Lincoln.
They'll be aiming to capitalize on their favorites tag and secure a comfortable victory against Sheffield United.
On the other hand, Sheffield United finds themselves in a precarious situation, sitting at the bottom of the Premier League table with just one point from their first six matches.
Their return to the top flight has been marred by key player departures over the summer and a humiliating 8-0 defeat to Newcastle in their previous outing.
Manager Paul Heckingbottom's position is under scrutiny, with rumors of a potential return for former boss Chris Wilder.
West Ham vs Sheffield United: Match details
The West Ham vs. Sheffield United match is scheduled for a 3:00 PM BST kick-off on Saturday, September 30, 2023, and will take place at the London Stadium.
West Ham vs Sheffield United: Team news
West Ham will likely be without Aaron Cresswell, who sustained a hamstring injury during a Europa League match.
Manager David Moyes is expected to field a stronger lineup after making multiple changes in the recent Carabao Cup match.
Sheffield United faces an extensive absentee list, with several key players dealing with injuries.
Oli McBurnie is available again after serving a one-match suspension. His return could provide a boost to the Blades' attacking options.
West Ham vs Sheffield United: Predicted lineups
West Ham United predicted starting lineup:
Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson; Soucek, Alvarez; Bowen, Ward-Prowse, Benrahma; Antonio
Sheffield United predicted starting lineup:
Foderingham; Ahmedhodzic, Basham, Egan; Baldock, Souza, Norwood, Hamer, Larouci; Archer, McBurnie
West Ham vs Sheffield United: Head-to-Head history and results
West Ham has had the upper hand against Sheffield United in recent encounters.
During Sheffield United's last Premier League spell in the 2020/21 season, West Ham secured a double victory with a 3-0 win at home and a 1-0 victory away.
West Ham has not lost to Sheffield United since 2020.
- West Ham wins: 32
- Sheffield United wins: 38
- Draws: 21
West Ham vs Sheffield United: Prediction
West Ham enters this match as clear favorites.
Sheffield United's struggles, coupled with their extensive injury list, suggest a difficult task ahead.
While the Blades have been competitive in some matches, their confidence is low following the Newcastle defeat.
Prediction: West Ham to win 2-0.
West Ham vs Sheffield United: Match odds
- West Ham to win: 40/85
- Sheffield United to win: 11/2
- Draw: 18/5
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 month ago
