GSH Predictions: West Ham Faces Off Against Sheffield United

West Ham travel to Bramall Lane as Sheffield United look for their first win of the season. Will the Hammers add on to the Blades’ misery?

West Ham went into the international break with all three points from their ugly win against Fulham. Sheffield United have yet to win a match so far during this young season. Will West Ham continue their good start to the season or can Sheffield United turn things around? Our Green St. Hammers experts weigh in on the upcoming match:

Justin: Sheffield United 2-2 West Ham

Sheffield United sit at the bottom of the Premier League table, failing to win a single match during the first eight matches of the season. The Blades are coming off a torrid stretch of fixtures where they faced Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea in a month-and-a-half span. They look to kick on their season against West Ham, a team they picked up four points against last season.

Even though they have not won a match yet, Sheffield United have been competitive in a majority of their matches with five of their seven losses seeing the Blades lose by only one goal. Chris Wilder’s men still play with tenacity and drive, and it will not be simple for the Hammers on Sunday.

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Getting Michail Antonio back should be a boost for West Ham, even though he should not start in my opinion as he is just coming off an injury. However, I am a bit nervous playing our three at the back system. While I believe we should continue using it for this match, Sheffield United know how to attack this type of formation, with the Blades playing it themselves.

I actually see this game being a very entertaining one. Sheffield know that this is the time they are going to need to kick on to avoid a relegation battle and West Ham are in good form. Can they continue it?

I think so, but both teams will split the spoils at Bramall Lane with a draw occurring, two goals apiece.

Jeff: Sheffield United 0-2 West Ham

The international break is over and West Ham look set to take on bottom of the table Sheffield United at Brammall Lane. This match comes down to one simple factor to me – the intent of David Moyes.

Is he going to set up the team to roll in, dictate play and go for all three points? Or is he taking the mindset of respect the away point?

On paper, everything is lined up for the Hammers. They could be getting Antonio and Ogbonna back. Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek, Fabian Balbuena and Sebastian Haller all had excellent performances for their countries and their confidence should be high.

Sheffield United cannot score and they can’t defend. The Irons certainly can score if they take their chances. And since they’ve gone to three at the back, dare I say they’ve been stout with their defending.

But nothing can deflate an in-form squad faster than the manager getting it wrong on the team sheet. I hope Moyes gets it right here. Otherwise, all the points and positive performances before the break lose some of their early-season lustre. I do think Moyes gets it right and West Ham win by two goals to nil.

Lou: Sheffield United 1-1 West Ham

With West Ham in good form and the Blades yet to record a victory so far this season, it would be easy to predict three points for the Hammers here. There is no doubt that Sheffield United will be determined to kick-start their season, though, and they’ll fancy their chances against the Hammers – who they took four points off last campaign.

Michail Antonio would make a huge difference for the away side, but while most likely at least on the bench, he may not be fit enough for the full 90 this time around. A draw wouldn’t be a terrible point at the end of the day, but I’m sure David Moyes will be aiming for maximum.