Prediction: Sheffield United vs Chelsea

Verdict: Cole Palmer to score anytime

Best Odds: 6/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Smelling the chance to extend on their European charge this weekend, Chelsea will travel to Bramall Lane on Sunday evening when they meet Sheffield United.

Sheffield United

Starting with the hosts, while Sheffield United might have only secured a Premier League return this season, the Blades have continued on a major top-flight nightmare. Last seen earlier in the week getting hit with a 3-1 loss at the hands of Liverpool, Chris Wilder’s men sit rock-bottom of the table and have come under a huge amount of scrutiny. Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat 10 points adrift of Premier League safety, Sunday’s hosts have recorded just a single victory from any of their previous 13 top-flight appearances. With that extended rut stemming all the way back to a 1-0 win against Brentford on December 9th, Sheffield United have also broken a string of unwanted records this season. Collecting just 15 points from any of their 30 Premier League showdowns, Wilder’s men should face another stern examination here.

Team News

Sheffield United have confirmed that the duo of George Baldock and former Everton midfielder Tom Davies will be on the sidelines for the next six weeks. Likewise, although the Blades remain hopeful that Cameron Archer will feature again before the end of the season, the England U21 international will not feature here.

Notching four Premier League goals since completing a January loan switch from Spanish outfit Villarreal, Chile international Ben Brereton Diaz will spearhead Wilder’s charge at Bramall Lane. Settling for a spot on the bench in midweek, ex-Swansea striker Oli McBurnie could be handed a full return here.

Chelsea

As for the visitors, mounting what was a history-making comeback at home against Manchester United earlier in the week, Chelsea are desperate to use that dramatic late flurry as a platform to build on. Eventually securing a remarkable 4-3 victory at Stamford Bridge, Mauricio Pochettino’s men will certainly be smelling a golden opportunity here. Unbeaten in their previous six Premier League appearances, the former Tottenham boss is still dreaming of the chance to secure a late European return. Despite showing some extended defensive issues, the Blues will be excited by a rampant record against Sunday’s hosts. Including a 2-0 victory when they welcomed Sheffield United to west London for their reverse meeting on December 16th, Chelsea have won all of their previous four meetings by an aggregate score of 10-2.

Team News

Still dealing with what is a stacked injury list in west London, Chelsea will travel to Bramall Lane without the likes of Reece James, Christopher Nkunku, Robert Sanchez and Levi Colwill. However, the Blues are hopeful that Ben Chilwell will be able to play some part this weekend.

Bagging a stunning hat-trick earlier in the week and recording 16 Premier League goals this season, England international Cole Palmer will have another leading role to play on Sunday evening. Not making a top-flight start since returning from March’s international break, Raheem Sterling will likely have to settle for another spot on the bench.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Sheffield United and Chelsea met for their reverse Premier League meeting on December 16th, the Blues picked up a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.
• Chelsea have won all of their previous four meetings against the Blades by an aggregate score of 10-2.
• Sheffield United have collected just a single win from any of their previous 13 Premier League appearances.
• Chelsea have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions.
• England international Cole Palmer has recorded 16 Premier League goals so far this season.

Conclusion

Mounting what was a remarkable last-gasp comeback at home against Manchester United in midweek, Chelsea will be relishing a trip to Bramall Lane here. Looking to clinch a crucial European return this season, there is no doubt that the red-hot Palmer will have a leading role to play on Sunday evening. Bagging a hat-trick in west London earlier in the week and with 16 Premier League goals to his name this season, the England international will be looking to cash in on a Sheffield United squad that have continued to show some glaring defensive issues.

Verdict: Cole Palmer to score anytime

Best Odds: 6/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet