West Ham United head into Saturday's Premier League encounter with Sheffield United on the back of successive defeats in the top flight.
The Blades make the trip to the London Stadium having moved away of the Hammers in the table, courtesy of a 1-0 success over Arsenal at the start of the week.
Match preview
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Despite a positive start to the campaign which suggested that West Ham were well set to challenge for the top six, back-to-back defeats to Crystal Palace and Everton have left the Hammers in the bottom half of the standings.
Given the talent at his disposal, Manuel Pellegrini will not be too alarmed at this stage, but the Chilean will be aware that his side have to regain their earlier momentum sooner rather than later.
The performance at Goodison Park last weekend was their worst in the league since the beginning of August, and it marked a fourth fixture in all competitions without success.
While home encounters with Sheffield United and Newcastle United are arguably ideal when needing to get back to winning ways, failing to do so will leave West Ham lodged in mid-table, where they found themselves for the majority of last season.
Nevertheless, their opponents on Saturday are no longer considered to be the favourites to be relegated in May, having picked up seven points from a possible 12.
Three clean sheets - against Everton, Watford and Arsenal respectively - have been registered during that run, with the only goal they have conceded being courtesy of a mistake from goalkeeper Dean Henderson against Liverpool.
Chris Wilder is aware that he must ensure his squad maintain their current work-rate, although the Blades boss can perhaps afford to enjoy the club's lofty position in the table rather than being concerned with what is happening behind them.
While just four points separate Sheffield United from the relegation zone, just three keep them away from fifth spot, and Wilder will be eager to capitalise on the opportunity to put themselves in contention at the right end of the standings.
West Ham United form: DWLDLL
Sheffield United form: LWLLDW
Team News
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While Wilder appears set to have a fully-fit squad available for the trip to England's capital, the Sheffield United boss could opt to name the same starting lineup.
Billy Sharp and Oliver McBurnie are both pushing for selection, although Lys Mousset should keep his spot in the team after netting the winner against Arsenal.
As for West Ham, Andriy Yarmolenko will almost certainly be recalled having been left out of the side last weekend.
Aaron Cresswell may replace Arthur Masuaku at left-back if he is able to recover from the minor injury which sidelined him for the match on Merseyside.
West Ham United possible starting lineup: Roberto; Fredericks, Ogbonna, Diop, Cresswell; Rice, Noble; Yarmolenko, Lanzini, Anderson; Haller
Sheffield United possible starting lineup: Henderson; Basham, Egan, O'Connell; Baldock, Lundstram, Norwood, Fleck, Stevens; McGoldrick, Mousset
We say: West Ham United 2-1 Sheffield United
While West Ham have failed to impress in recent weeks, we feel that home advantage will prove crucial on Saturday. The visitors will feel that they can return to Yorkshire with three points, although it may be difficult to replicate the same level of performance as the one which got the better of Arsenal.
Darren Plant
