Chris Sutton predicts 'tight' Sheffield United v West Ham clash at Bramall Lane

Chris Sutton has predicted a tight clash between West Ham and Sheffield United as David Moyes' side face a visit to Bramall Lane on 21 January.

The former Chelsea striker claimed the Hammers will be feeling the effects of their FA Cup defeat to Bristol City, but he can't see them being beaten again, predicting a final score of 1-1.

Sutton also insisted that, with neither side preferring to take control of the game by dominating possession, it could make for a cagy and tight affair.

Writing for his BBC Sport Premier League predictions, Sutton shared: "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."

West Ham need to bounce back

The FA Cup defeat was a huge disappointment for the Hammers, being knocked out at the earliest opportunity from a competition they will have felt like they had a chance of winning, and they now need to bounce back with another three points in the Premier League.

Sheffield United, meanwhile, are coming into the game off the back of a 4-0 cup win against Gillingham and will be looking to take confidence from their goalscoring antics albeit against a lower standard of opposition.

Chris Wilder's side have taken just four points from their last five Premier League games, although their only win did come at Bramall Lane and they will look to make that home advantage count yet again when the Hammers come to visit.

It is crucial for David Moyes that he ensures the standards don't slip in the absence of Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus, and he will be hoping some of the fringe players can step up. The potential return of Jarrod Bowen would also be a huge boost to their chances.

In other West Ham news, a journalist has shared the result of the Lucas Paqueta investigation.

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