Sheff Utd v West Ham: Sutton's predictions
- Published
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches again this season, against a variety of guests.
The winter break means the current set of fixtures are staggered over a two-week period. For part two of week 21, he takes on singer-songwriter and Arsenal fan JayO.
Sutton's prediction: 1-1
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder decided not to take his squad to warmer climes during their winter break, and his message to his players is that only hard graft will get them out of trouble now.
The Blades are bottom of the Premier League and eight points adrift of safety, so they have got a heck of a lot of work to do.
Their schedule last month meant Wilder did not get much time on the training pitch with his players after taking charge at the start of December, so at least he has had a chance to do that in the past couple of weeks.
It will be interesting to see what difference it makes, because their position means they need results quickly.
They are the lowest scorers in the top flight so they also need goals, which is why they have brought in Ben Brereton Diaz on loan from Villarreal, but it's going to be hard for them to break West Ham down.
The Hammers will be smarting after Tuesday's FA Cup defeat to Bristol City but they did make a few changes for that game, and I just don't see them being beaten again here.
Neither side have a possession-based style of play, so they won't particularly want the ball. It is going to be tight, and it's got draw written all over it.
JayO's prediction: 0-3