Sheffield United vs West Ham United
Bramall Lane, Sheffield
Friday, 10-01-2019 @11pm
Ref: Michael Oliver
Sheffield United were victorious in both of their previous Premier League home games against West Ham: 3-0 in April 2007 and 3-2 in March 1994. West Ham have won only one of the past 13 top-flight away meetings (D2, L10).
Sheffield United’s FA Cup win against AFC Fylde was only a second victory in five home games. They could lose three consecutive league games under Chris Wilder for just the second time, and first since a run of three losses in the Championship in December 2017. All seven of Sheffield United’s Premier League wins this season have been against teams currently below them in the table. They have kept a clean sheet in six of those seven victories. The Blades could fail to score in three successive league fixtures for the first time since September 2013 in the third tier, under David Weir. Two of the first three league goals they conceded this season were via set pieces. They have since let in just one set-piece goal. David McGoldrick has had a league-high 35 shots without scoring in the Premier League this season. Three more shots without scoring will set a new competition record. Lys Mousset has scored from all five of his attempts on target for Sheffield United in the Premier League. Dean Henderson has kept seven Premier League clean sheets this season. Only Kasper Schmeichel, with eight, has more. Sheffield United are the only Premier League side yet to pick any players aged 21 or under this season. Henderson, aged 22, is their youngest player to date.
David Moyes has secured victories in his first two matches in charge. During his first spell with the Hammers in 2017-18, he did not win until his fifth match. Moyes could become the first manager since Gianfranco Zola in 2008 to win his first two Premier League games in charge. West Ham have now recorded four wins in 16 matches in all competitions (D2, L10). They have failed to score in their last three Premier League away matches against promoted opposition. West Ham are the most accurate Premier League team in front of goal, hitting the target with 44% of their 217 shots. Mark Noble is just two Premier League goals from equalling Paolo Di Canio’s record of 47 for the club. Pablo Fornals has three goals and four assists this season. No Hammers player has been involved in more goals. Felipe Anderson’s goal against Bournemouth last time out was a first in the league since April, ending a run of 20 games and 28 shots without one.
Sheffield United are expected to welcome back a host of regulars after making 11 changes in the FA Cup. Simon Moore is set to return to the bench following a muscular injury, but fellow goalkeeper Michael Verrips is unavailable because of concussion.
West Ham defender Ryan Fredericks has been sidelined for up to six weeks with a hamstring issue, while Michail Antonio remains out. Mark Noble and Aaron Creswell are in contention following injury.
The Premier League upcoming fixtures
Saturday, 11-01-2019
-Crystal Palace vs Arsenal @3:30pm
-Chelsea vs Burnley @6pm
-Everton vs Brighton @6pm
-Leicester City vs Southampton @6pm
-Man United vs Norwich @6pm
-Wolves vs Newcastle United @6pm
-Tottenham vs Liverpool @8:30
Sunday, 12-01-2019
-Bournemouth vs Watford @5pm
-Aston Villa vs Man City @7:30pm
