SHEFFIELD UNITED will be bidding to boost their slim Premier League survival hopes by securing a win over West Ham United at Bramall Lane on Sunday.
The rock-bottom Blades are currently eight points from safety following a 2-0 defeat at Manchester City before the winter break.
While there have been some signs of improvement under returning boss Chris Wilder, pulling off what would be a dramatic escape act looks like a tall order.
Last time out, Sheffield United swept aside Gillingham 4-0 in the FA Cup so Wilder will be hoping that win will act as a springboard for a much-needed victory when West Ham come calling.
After securing a stunning 2-0 win at Arsenal during the festive period, the sixth-placed Hammers were then held to a 0-0 draw at home to Brighton.
David Moyes men have since been dumped out of the FA Cup by Bristol City so the Scotsman will demand a response from his side at Bramall Lane on Sunday
Outright Betting
Sheffield United, who have won just two of their 20 Premier League matches this season, are 5/2 (Ladbrokes) outsiders while a share of the Steel City spoils can be backed at 23/10 (Bet 365).
West Ham United have triumphed in three of their last four top-flight road trips and they are 6/5 (Bet 365) favourites to file all three points on Sunday.
Betting Angles
I suspect this contest could be closer than the odds suggest so I’m going to side with a Bet Builder in the shape of Sheffield United to Score and Edson Álvarez to commit a foul at even-money (1/1) with Bet 365.
While the Blades have been blunt in attack this season, they have netted in three of their last five league games and they can breach a Hammers backline that leak more than fair share.
David Moyes' men have failed to silence their opponents in 15 of their 20 league games this season, including nine of their 10 trips away from their capital headquarters, not to mention the visitors are having to contend with an ever growing absentee list.
What’s more, a draw doesn't really suit Sheffield United here given their current predicament, so with all things considered, I’m prepared to back the Blades to strike on Sunday.
Team news permitting, I'll bolster the odds by backing West Ham’s Edson Álvarez to commit a minimum of one foul during this Bramall Lane bout.
The Hammers hatchet-man is averaging 1.2 fouls per game in the English top-flight this term, clocking up seven yellow cards in the process, one of which was dished out to the tough-tackling Mexican against Sheffield United in September’s reverse fixture.
On a similar line of reasoning to the above, I'm also going to have a small play on a long shot shot in the Correct Score market with the 1-0 home win looking like a nice scoreline to cheer on at 10/1 with Bet 365.
Chris Wilder steered the Blades to a 1-0 win over Brentford last month and a similar scoreline on Sunday would not come as a major surprise given the Londoners' long list of injury concerns ahead of this clash.
This English Premier League match between Sheffield United and West Ham United will be played on Jan 21, 2024 and kick off at 14:00. Check below for our tipsters best Sheffield United vs West Ham United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
