West Ham can get back on track in the Premier League with a win against Sheffield United later today.
The Hammers delivered two spirited and competitive performances in tough clashes against Manchester City and Liverpool respectively, but lost both games by a 3-1 scoreline to lose their unbeaten record following an excellent start to the new season under David Moyes.
Now the schedule softens up for West Ham, who must take better advantage of those favourites tags after needing to come from behind to see off Serbian side Backa Topola in their Europa League opener last week and being pushed hard by third-tier Lincoln to reach the Carabao Cup fourth round.
They will be looking to pile more misery on old foes Sheffield United, who sit rooted to the bottom of the table with just one point from their opening six matches along with Luton and Burnley.
It is already looking a bit ominous for the newly-promoted teams but especially the Blades, who lost several key performers over the summer and slumped to a humiliating and club-record 8-0 home loss to Newcastle last time out amid serious questions over the future of manager Paul Heckingbottom.
Heckingbottom insists that he still retains the full support of club owner Prince Abdullah and chief executive Stephen Bettis, but another big defeat this weekend could well see that change amid rumours of a return to the Bramall Lane dugout for Chris Wilder.
Date, kick-off time and venue
West Ham vs Sheffield United is scheduled for a 3pm BST kick-off on Saturday September 30, 2023.
The match will take place at the London Stadium.
Where to watch West Ham vs Sheffield United
TV channel and live stream: In the UK, the game will not be televised live as it falls during the Saturday 3pm blackout period still imposed across English football.
Highlights: However, highlights are available via Match of the Day, which starts at 10:30pm on BBC One on Saturday night.
West Ham vs Sheffield United team news
Team locked in 🔒 pic.twitter.com/PTVD8g5Fzh
— West Ham United (@WestHam) September 30, 2023
One change for United.
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) September 30, 2023
Here's how the Bladesmen line up at West Ham this afternoon. 🟡 pic.twitter.com/Fqwev4Xebi
West Ham vs Sheffield United prediction
Anything less than a comfortable win would be massively disappointing for the Hammers this weekend.
Sheffield United are approaching crisis just six games into their latest top-flight stint after a torrid summer that saw them lose a number of the players that were so essential to securing their return from the Championship.
Four of the Blades’ five league losses so far this season have actually only been by one goal, while their shock Carabao Cup exit against Lincoln was on penalties after a goalless stalemate.
They have given a strong account of themselves at times, though that will all be well and truly forgotten now after the horror Newcastle mauling and confidence will be on the floor.
West Ham to win, 2-0.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
West Ham did the double over Sheffield United during the latter’s last Premier League spell in 2020/21, winning 3-0 at home and 1-0 away. They have not lost to the Blades since 2020.
West Ham wins: 32
Sheffield United wins: 38
Draws: 21
West Ham vs Sheffield United match odds
West Ham to win: 4/9
Sheffield United to win: 18/5
Draw: 18/5
