Paul Merson makes ‘lights out’ call ahead of Sheffield United vs West Ham United in Premier League
Paul Merson has suggested Sheffield United will be all but relegated if they fail to beat West Ham in Sunday’s (21 January) contest.
The Blades enter the match at Bramall Lane sitting bottom of the Premier League, nine points adrift of Everton in 17th place.
West Ham are up in sixth place, but they make the trip to Sheffield with a depleted squad due to injuries and international call-ups.
Writing on his personal Twitter page [21 January] ahead of the game, Merson said: “Sheff Utd is a must win today, if not just turn the lights out…
“With no Paqueta, Aguerd, Kudus and Bowen being a doubt it’s a good time to play West Ham.”
Strong favourites
It may indeed be a good time to face West Ham, but the Irons will still enter this game as strong favourites to pick up all three points.
Sheffield United have been poor since earning promotion back to the Premier League, having taken just nine points from a possible 60.
There was no shame in losing 2-0 at Manchester City last time out in the league, but the Blades lost 3-2 to Luton Town in their last home game.
For all the doom and gloom surrounding the Hammers on the back of their loss to Bristol City, David Moyes’ men are in a healthy league position.
All focus from this point on is advancing even further in Europe and closing the gap on Tottenham in fifth in the Premier League.
If that second target is to be achieved, victory is needed against the division’s bottom side at Bramall Lane.
In other West Ham news, a journalist has suggested that defeat against Sheffield United could have a massive impact on Moyes’ future as manager.
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