Chelsea vs Sheffield United: Blues look to bounce back from back-to-back defeats against rock-bottom Blades – team news
CHELSEA will be looking to get back to winning ways as they face the Premier League’s bottom side Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge today.
The Blues have won just once in their last five games and sit 12th in the table.
Last time out, Chelsea were on the end of a 2-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park after a horror away performance.
Meanwhile, Sheffield United will be hoping to build on their 1-0 win against Brentford as the Blades look to climb the table under Chris Wilder, who has returned for his second stint in the Bramall Lane hot seat.
Last season’s second-best side in the Championship will be aiming to claim their first away win of the season at Stamford Bridge.
Recent form
Chelsea have suffered from inconsistency throughout the campaign and go into this clash on the back of two defeats in a row.
They were beaten by Manchester United and Everton last week on the road so will be pleased to be back at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues beat Brighton in their last home match and drew with Manchester City in west London before that.
Sheffield United won just their second Premier League game of the season last time out against Brentford 1-0.
That means Chris Wilder has won one and lost one since returning to the Bramall Lane dugout.
Team news
Chelsea skipper Reece James was forced off with an injury against Everton last weekend and will not be available until the new year.
Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was also withdrawn and is a doubt for the clash with Sheffield United.
Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke and Malo Gusto have returned to training and could feature in some capacity against the Blades.
Sheffield United will be without full-back Jack Robinson due to suspension, but Wilder will welcome back Oli McBurnie and Oliver Norwood after serving their respective suspensions.
Tom Davies, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Chris Basham, Rhian Brewster, John Egan and Daniel Jebbison are all sidelined.
Ones to watch
Cole Palmer has earned plenty of plaudits in recent weeks but Raheem Sterling remains their biggest attacking threat.
The winger has six goals and three assists this season and when on form is a frightening player for any defender to deal with.
Meanwhile James McAtee is beginning to shine for the Blades after initially taking a while to adapt to the Prem.
He scored the winner against Brentford lsat time out and his battle with Conor Gallagher in midfield could be crucial for the visitor.
What the managers have said
Wilder says his squad has been boosted by the win over Bees but he has no doubt Chelsea will prove tricky opponents despite their shaky form.
He said: “”It’s not just internally, but in the city. Being a local boy, you feel it around the town and you see people being lifted. It’s up to us to continue that trajectory.”
On Chelsea’s shaky form: “I’m not getting caught up in that narrative. They have a world class manager and a really good team. Two or three weeks ago they went toe to toe with [Manchester] City, the best team in Europe.”
“Mauricio [Pochettino] is six months into a new job and putting his own mark on it. Their roster is an incredibly healthy one packed with talent, especially at the top end of the pitch with pace and power. An iconic football club that’s had an outstanding 20-25 years.
“We have to go there with belief. The first half an hour of the game is vital for us. We need a big start there and for us to get a result on Saturday would be another step forward.”
SunSport prediction
Chelsea may have struggled in recent weeks and it will be interesting to see how they cope without James.
But they possess too much attacking talent not to win this one. 2-1 to the Blues.
When is Chelsea vs Sheffield United?
- Chelsea vs Sheffield United will take place on Saturday, December 16th.
- Kick off will be at 3pm GMT.
- Stamford Bridge will host.
What TV channel is Chelsea vs Sheffield United on and can it be live streamed?
- Chelsea vs Sheffield United will not be broadcast on live TV in the UK.
- This is due to the 3pm blackout rule.
- However, you can keep up to date with all the action from Stamford Bridge by following SunSport’s live blog.
What are the odds?
- Chelsea – 1/5
- Draw – 5/1
- Sheffield United – 11/1
*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and are correct at the time of publication.