Source: whufc.com
West Ham United v Sheffield United. It doesn’t sound like a rivalry or even a grudge match to the average football fan, but for the opposing supporters it holds quite a bit of significance. Over seven years have passed since West Ham and Sheffield United last locked horns, with the South Yorkshire club running out 3-0 victors at Bramall Lane against a West Ham team that featured Argentinian international Carlos Tevez. Since that day quite a lot has happened for both clubs, Sheffield United have suffered 2 relegations and find themselves in League One for the fourth consecutive season whilst West Ham have been relegated and promoted back to the Premier League. Oh, not to mention the matter of £32 million that West Ham have now paid back to Sheffield United due to a certain Argentinian’s superb efforts in keeping us up in the 06/07 season.
However, onto the match on Tuesday. West Ham look set to play a somewhat weakened side that could see youngsters Elliot Lee, Reece Burke and Diego Poyet get a few minutes under their belts as well as summer signing Diafro Sakho making his first appearance for the Hammers. The Blades have endured a mixed start to the season as they sit in 18th place in the third tier, enjoying 2-1 wins against Peterborough in the league and Mansfield in Capital One Cup, however losing against Coventry and Bristol City have soured their new League One campaign.
One thing is certain though, it will most definitely be an interesting encounter at Upton Park under the lights as the two United’s face each other in the second round of the Capital One Cup.
My prediction:
I can only see one winner for this game, and that’s West Ham. Even with a mixed squad of first teamers, new signings and youth players I think we’ll see off the threat of Sheffield United. I’m going for a 2-0 win to be won inside the 90th minutes.”
– James S