Sheffield United host West Ham in what is an important game at both ends of the table. The hosts sit bottom of the table and are hoping to gain ground on those above them, whilst the Hammers are looking to cut the gap to the top four.
These odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
- Date: 21/01/24
- Kick-off time: 14:00
- Location: Bramall Lan
Sheffield United are rooted to the bottom of the table and are seven points adrift from safety. Barring a surprise and sudden upturn in form, it looks like they will be making an immediate return to the Championship. As a result of their dreadful form, United became the first team to change managers, sacking Paul Heckingbottom in favour of former Blade Chris Wilder. However, if they win this game, it could be the spark they need to kick-start their season. A victory would put them level on points with Burnley, but still four away from Everton in 17th. Lose, and things start to look very bleak.
David Moyes led his team to Europa Conference League success last season, and has got them off to a much better start in the league than he did last year. The Hammers currently sit in sixth, occupying a European place. A win this weekend could put them three points behind Arsenal, who are fourth.
The Blades have won just two games all season, but they have both come at home. They have struggled on both ends of the pitch, scoring just 15 goals and conceding 49, and they are the worst in the league in both statistics. Cameron Archer and Oli McBurnie are their top scorers with three goals each, and Gustavo Hamer is the only other player with multiple strikes. Their 49 goals conceded is seven worse than Burnley, who have conceded the second most in the division.
Wilder’s men have been on the end of some heavy losses this season, although they were all under his predecessor Heckingbottom. Most notably was their 8-0 home defeat to Newcastle, in late September. They have also been on the end of 5-0 defeats at both Arsenal and Burnley.
West Ham, in contrast, are enjoying an excellent campaign so far, led by Jarrod Bowen. His 11 Premier League goals is the fifth most of any player, and he is just three shy of Erling Haaland, who tops the charts. As a team, the Hammers have scored 33 goals and conceded 30 with 10 victories.
This will be the 93rd meeting between the two sides, with Sheffield United edging it, having come out on top on 38 occasions. The reverse fixture at the London Stadium ended in victory for West Ham, with goals from Bowen and Soucek securing the three points. West Ham have won the last three meetings with a combined score of 6-0.
Premier League 
