Scout report: How Sheffield United can exploit West Ham United's frailties and bag three points on Friday night

Sheffield United will look to return to winning ways in the Premier League on Friday evening, when they take on West Ham United in an eagerly-anticipated match under the lights at Bramall Lane.
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Last time the two sides met, it was a 1-1 draw with Lys Mousset rescuing his side a point at the London Stadium, but this time the Blades will be looking to secure all three.

Here's an in-depth look at United's opponents this weekend…

Last 5 league games: L, W, L, L, W.

(Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)(Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
(Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

Inconsistency has blighted West Ham's season, to the extent that they've not won two league games on the trot since back in August.

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However, David Moyes has made an encouraging start to his second spell at the London Stadium, after taking the reins from the recently sacked Manuel Pellegrini.

The ex-Everton boss got off to the ideal start with a barnstroming 4-0 win over Bournemouth, followed up by a solid 2-0 win to Gillingham in the FA Cup third round. It's arguably not an ideal time to play the East Londoners, as they're unlikely to have reached the peak of their new manager bounce just yet.

Who are the ‘dangermen’ Sheffield United need to watch out for?

£45m summer signing Sebastian Haller got the season off to a flyer, but his form tanked massively along with his teammates in autumn. Under Moyes, he's likely to kick back into gear.

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Felipe Anderson is, on his day, a creative wizard with the ball, and his natural ability to find himself in space could be a real threat to the Blades.

Holding midfielder Declan Rice is also a player looking to impress his new manager, and indeed Gareth Southgate, as he hopes to earn his place in England's 23 man squad for Euro 2020.

And what about the manager?

Moyes has had a tough time of it in his last few jobs; the Manchester United dream turned into a nightmare, a sojourn to Spain was less than successful, and those 28 losses in 43 matches at Sunderland were far from ideal.

He's now back with a point to prove, and will be hellbent on hitting back at his critics with a successful second spell with the Hammers.

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The 56-year-old has kept them up before, and he'll be looking to do that again, and then, ideally, replicate the success he previously found with Everton.

What's their style of play?

As Moyes has only been in charge for two matches in his latest reign, it's a little tricky to tell at the moment.

Traditionally, the Scotsman prioritises a rock-solid defence, and will be mindful of the relegation scrap his side finds themselves in this season. However, they're unlikely to be long-ball merchants, and possess players more than capable of playing some attractive football.

In their 4-0 hammering of Bournemouth, three out of four of the goals came from intricate passing moves down the right flank - Enda Stevens will need to be wary of this, and track back when necessary.

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Formation wise, he's switched it up - going with a back four against Bournemouth, and three against Gillingham. There's every chance he may look to match United's formation on Friday evening, and look to beat the Blades at their own game.

Where are their key weaknesses?

Their full-backs Aaron Cresswell and Ryan Fredericks are there to be exploited, that's for sure. They were real links for the Irons in their disastrous start to the campaign, and the Blades should be able to find them out again.

Additionally, West Ham have been highly vulnerable at set-pieces this season, conceding seven goals from them in the campaign thus far. Oli Norwood's impeccable dead ball deliveries could certainly cause the Hammers all manner of trouble.