Sheffield United are at the bottom of the Premier League table and have shown little ability to get off the foot of the standings. Chris Wilder’s team are not getting the timely goals and stellar defence they did last term.
Now, the Blades go into matchday 9 desperate for a victory to end a three-match losing streak. To end their losing streak, Sheffield United must get a result versus West Ham at Bramall Lane.
West Ham are unbeaten in five of their last six games in the league. The Hammers have taken 11 points from 24 possible this season. David Moyes’ team are coming off of a 1-0 home win versus Fulham on matchday 8.
The Hammers have taken four points from 12 on the road this season. They are +1 in goal difference on the road with eight goals scored and seven allowed.
Sheffield United’s only point this season came at Bramall Lane in a 1-1 draw with Fulham. The Blades are coming off of a matchday 8 loss to Chelsea away, 4-1.
The Blades have struggled to score goals and summer signing Rhian Brewster has failed to catch fire. It isn’t completely his fault as Sheffield United do not have any creative players in the midfield
Wilder built Sheffield United as a strong defensive side. They lack any creativity in the team and are paying for it in the final third. Last season, Sheffield United’s defence kept games close and allowed their poor assortment of forwards to nick goals. That strategy is no longer working.
Sheffield United players Lys Mousset, John Fleck, and Jack O’Connell are all ruled out. Brewster is a doubt due to muscle tightness while John Egan and Enda Stevens are both working to be fit for the game.
West Ham’s Andriy Yarmalenko is ruled out after testing positive for COVID-19. Angelo Ogbonna and Michail Antonio could both make the squad, but they will undergo late fitness tests.
West Ham failed to defeat Sheffield United last season. That trend should end this weekend with West Ham tallying a win over the Blades. Sheff United have lost 10 of their last 11 league matches. There have been over 2.5 goals scored in six of West Ham's last seven league away matches.
Matchday 9 should see Sheffield United and West Ham combine for over 2.5 goals with the Hammers edging out the Blades for the win. Sheffield United are not good and in danger of relegation due to Wilder’s defence first tactics.