Sheffield United Match Preview

West Ham United will be looking to claim back-to-back wins for the second time this season when they travel to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United this afternoon.

After clinching impressive victories over Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City before last month’s international break, the Hammers will be hoping to return from the latest period away from Premier League action ready to build on the dramatic home win over newly-promoted Fulham fifteen days ago. Chris Wilder’s Blades are yet to register a top-flight success this season.

David Moyes’ side currently occupy twelfth place in the Premier League table and are certainly looking to gain revenge on their opponents after they were denied a point in this fixture last season. VAR ruled out a late equaliser from Robert Snodgrass. It was adjudged that the ball had brushed Declan Rice’s arm in the build-up.

Things can go either way in football but the visitors will feel that they have a chance of bringing all three points back to East London, given that their hosts are bottom of the table with only one point to their name.

Arthur Masuaku will have to undergo a late fitness test after picking up an injury since the victory over Scott Parker’s side on 7 November, while Angelo Ogbonna will also be assessed. If neither are fit enough to be involved, then Issa Diop and summer recruit Craig Dawson are on standby.

Although Michail Antonio has been back in training after suffering a hamstring injury in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City in October, it is unlikely that he will feature here, meaning Moyes will have to choose between Sébastien Haller, or hand a full debut to deadline day signing Saïd Benrahma.

Club Captain Mark Noble has not featured since the 2-0 opening day defeat by Newcastle United but if Masuaku doesn’t make it, then either he, or Manuel Lanzini will fill the void in midfield. Andriy Yarmolenko will definitely miss the encounter after contracting Coronavirus while away with Ukraine.

The match kicks off at 2pm with live coverage being screened by Sky Sports from 1pm. The referee is Martin Atkinson.