Prediction: Sheffield United vs West Ham

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 5/2

Bookmaker: bet365

The Premier League returns once again this weekend for a series of intriguing fixtures, and this time around, all of that is going to start on Friday Night Football as we get a rare early treat before the Saturday games kick-off. The clash in question will see Sheffield United host West Ham United at Bramall Lane, in an encounter that holds a great deal of history in the last 15 years or so. In the present day, though, it’s about keeping their respective momentum going between now and May.

Sheffield United

The Blades have hit a few bumps in the road across the last few weeks, but when you’ve got a manager like Chris Wilder to put your trust in, suddenly the odd loss here or there doesn’t feel all too troublesome. They aren’t expected to do all too much business in the January transfer window and it’s not exactly difficult to understand why, with one of their primary advantages over the teams around them being the cohesion within their squad – as well as the lack of European fixtures to worry about.

Team News

Moore and Verrips are considered to be the only injury worries for the hosts, with Wilder being tipped to name the same starting XI that featured against Liverpool.

West Ham

Manuel Pellegrini’s time at West Ham has come to an end, and while it may be controversial, David Moyes has inserted himself into the picture once again. The belief is that as long as he can keep them in the top flight he would’ve done his job, but beyond that, the hope is that he is able to rejuvenate his own career in a manner that we haven’t seen since his Everton days. On the pitch, though, they’ve certainly got enough quality to make some noise in the top half.

Team News

Zabaleta is set to be one of the only changes to the line-up with Fredericks joining the injured list alongside Wilshere, Martin and Yarmolenko, with Reid, Noble, Cresswell and Antonio all being doubts.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in October, Sheffield United and West Ham drew 1-1.
• Sheffield United have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• West Ham have won three and lost three of their last six games.
• Sheffield United have scored six goals and conceded six in their last six games.
• West Ham have scored 10 goals and conceded seven in their last six games.

Conclusion

The new manager shine is going to wear off eventually, but this is the sort of gritty, back and forth game that we think will suit David Moyes’ side perfectly. However, this is Sheffield United we’re talking about here. They play much nicer football than people give them credit for and it’s going to lead to a really strong second half of the season. We think the two sides are going to engage in a pretty physical game, with the end result being them sharing the spoils.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 5/2

Bookmaker: bet365