Hammers to build momentum at Bramall Lane
Sheffield United meet West Ham United at Bramall Lane in the Premier League for the first time since April 2007, the Hammers with Carlos Tevez in their ranks got battered 3-0 that day but the Blades still went on to be relegated. No such fear will be felt by the home fans on Friday, in ChrisWilder they trust and so they should with the side sitting pretty in eighth, a cool seven points above the Londoners in 16th. Manuel Pellegrini was dismissed of his duties at the London Stadium following defeat to Leicester City just before the New Year with David Moyesrestored to the helm for a second spell, this term securing himself an 18 month contract compared to the six month one he was granted in late 2017.
Slight drop off
The fairytale of this Premier League season has slowed up over the busy Christmas period, amidst a difficult fixture list Sheffield United have recorded four negative results in a row. Watford were able to take a point off them at home with their blushes saved by Oliver Norwood penalty, GerardDeulofeu’s opener carried on Nigel Pearson’s new manager bounce for the Hornets then and Moyes with replicating that feat in their Northwards trip come Friday evening.
After that result the Blades will be forgiven for back to back 2-0 defeats at the hands of Manchester City and Liverpool, however their momentum continued to plug this FA Cup weekend. Wilder’s men hosted AFC Fylde, who are currently battling against relegation to the sixth tier of English football. Only winning 2-1, struggling to put the game to bed with a second string eleven.
The newly promoted side’s away form trumps their home results this season, giving further belief to the battling Hammers.
West Ham United
David Moyes’ inherited squad started the season magnificently familiarising themselves inside the top six before an eight-game winless run saw them at the precipice of the bottom three. Their quality has been demonstrated in wins over Manchester United, Chelsea and an immense performance to thump Bournemouth 4-0 in the former Everton gaffer’s first game back in the hotseat.
Potential star man Felipe Anderson netted his first goal of the season in that match, and with confidence building he holds the key to surging the Hammers back up the table in providing and finishing. The Brazilian contributed 10 goals and five assists from the left flank last term and when on song is one of the best players outside of European football.
West Ham look the more in form team here and with renewed impetus they have the quality to get at least a point on Friday evening.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
A comedy of errors from West Ham goalkeeper David Martin allowed Ollie McBurnie to gives the Blades the lead. And they held on to the dismay of a lot of football fans thanks to a late VAR call disallowing Robert Snodgrass' goal.