England Premier League
Monday 15th February 2021
Kick off at 6pm GMT
Venue: London Stadium
Match Preview:
West Ham have the chance to go 4th if they can beat bottom club Sheffield United early Monday evening. The Hammers are currently in sixth position and experiencing one of their best ever seasons in the Premier League under manager David Moyes.
Having earned 10 points from their last 15 the club have lost just once in their last five games and twice in their last 10 that is brilliant for a club who season after season have disappointed. The Hammers have no defeats from their last two games as they drew 0-0 with Fulham away from home and beat Aston Villa 3-1 also away from home.
At home the club have won 5 games from 11 although their last game ended in a 3-1 defeat against Liverpool. Last week the Hammers were knocked out of the FA Cup as they lost 1-0 in extra time to Manchester United.
Sheffield United lost 2-1 at home to Chelsea last weekend but there have been signs of a revival of some sorts over the past month where they have picked up 2 wins and of note they have won just 3 games the whole season. The Blades are 14 points from safety and surely will be relegated but you sense their mission is not to finish bottom of the league and they are putting the pressure on West Bromwich Albion in 19th and the gap now is just one point.
Not surprisingly Chris Wilder’s side has the worst away record in the Premier League where they have earned just 4 points from 33. It is incredible to think that the clubs only win on the road has come against 2nd placed Manchester United but that sums up this season.
Team News:
West Ham: Angelo Ogbonna has an ankle injury which could see him out for months and that is a huge blow to the club. Michail Antonio had to miss the FA Cup loss due to fatigue but he is expected to return for this game and will be assessed. Fabian Balbuena is only 50/50 as he has picked up a calf injury. Issa Diop is thought to have had a minor head injury in the FA Cup and should be fine to play in this match. Andriy Yarmolenko has a knee injury, it looks quite serious and he is obviously ruled out of this game but he could spend a lengthy amount of time on the sidelines, no update has been given.
Sheffield United: George Baldock will be assessed after his muscle injury and is only 50/50 to make this encounter. No update on Jack Robinson with his knock so he is presumed to be ruled out and could be struggling to make this game. Enda Stevens is being tipped to return for this game after missing the last few due to a calf injury.
West Ham vs Sheffield Utd Head to Head:
Last season this fixture ended 1-1.
Earlier in the season in the reverse fixture West Ham managed a 1-0 win.
Going by league matches only there is a 75% chance to see under 2.5 goals.
West Ham vs Sheffield Utd Prediction:
West Ham will of course be the favourites to win this game but they have some injury concerns. Michail Antonio could return but may not be up to speed and Angelo Ogbonna’s absence will be felt. This is a fixture which has a history of low goals and to be fair to Sheffield United despite their position they haven’t conceded as many as other teams from past seasons who were bottom of the league.
As for the Hammers they have the quality to win this game but expect both defences to be quite stubborn and of course in all competitions the Hammers have failed to score for their last 2 games. It would feel like points dropped for West Ham if they didn’t get a win and it would be risky to suggest a Blades victory even if their form has slightly improved over the last month. West Ham should have enough to win the game but it will be by the odd goal one suspects and they will be made to fight for any points earned.
West Ham vs Sheffield Utd Betting Tips:
West Ham to beat Sheffield United at 1.72
Under 2.5 goals at 1.72
Half Time Correct Score: 0-0 at 2.75
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