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2023/24 English Premier League
Matchday 21
Sheffield United v West Ham United
Bramall Lane
Sheffield, England
Sunday, 21 January 2024
Kick-off is at 15h00
West Ham will be looking to keep the momentum going in the New Year when they face rock-bottom Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Sunday, January 21.
The Hammers have emerged as potential top-four challengers after winning four of their six matches in December, losing just once during that run.
David Moyes' side kicked off 2024 with a 0-0 draw against Brighton at the London Stadium on January 2 to close within six points of the
UEFA Champions League places in sixth position.
Tottenham (5th) went level with Arsenal (4th) on 40 points after playing out to a 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford on January 14.
Chris Wilder hasn't quite made the impact he'd hoped for since returning the Bramall Lane on December 5, winning just one of his first six games in charge.
The Blades closed out 2023 with a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on December 30, which extended their winless run to four matches.
Wilder's side are eight points adrift of safety and three behind Burnley (19th), who picked up a point in a 1-1 draw with fellow strugglers Luton (18th) at Turf Moor on January 12.
Everton find themselves one point clear of the Hatters in 17th spot after holding high-flying Aston Villa to goalless draw at Goodison Park on January 14.
Wilder acknowledged his team were always going to be up against it at Eastlands, but felt his players gave up possession far too easily.
"We understood the challenge and we had to try and frustrate. We did but needed to be calmer in possession," he said.
"Once you get starved of possession, when you do get it back they are so good at counter pressing. They don't give you an opportunity to breathe. They play a different sport to what everyone else plays."
Moyes wasn't too happy with the performance against the Seagulls, but said their run during the festive period made the result more pleasing.
"It's been a brilliant festive period," the Scot told West Ham TV. "For us to win three and draw one game, it's been a good period for us.
"We're always looking to judge it on the performances and I didn't really enjoy this one (against Brighton), but we got what I think was a hugely important result for us against one of the top teams in the country."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
Sheffield U - 1
West Ham - 3
Draws - 1
Premier League Matchday 21 fixtures:
Saturday, January 20
13h30: Arsenal v Crystal Palace
18h30: Brentford v Nottingham Forest
Sunday, January 21
15h00: Sheffield United v West Ham United
17h30: Bournemouth v Liverpool
Monday, January 22
20h45: Brighton & Hove Albion v Wolverhampton Wanderers
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