Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Unibet
Looking to continue on their purple patch under Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea will make the trip to an empty Bramall Lane on Sunday night.
Sheffield United
Starting with the hosts, while Sheffield United might still find themselves facing an almighty uphill battle if they’re to somehow hang onto their Premier League status, the Blades have made some much-needed improvements of late. With Chris Wilder promising that his side will keep fighting, they managed to land themselves what was a crucial three points in a must-win showdown. Welcoming fellow relegation scrappers West Brom to Bramall Lane in midweek, United came from behind to pick up a late 2-1 win against the Baggies on home soil. However, still sat rock-bottom of the table and chasing a huge 11 point deficit from finding a shock route out of the bottom-three, Wilder should take some solace from his side’s form since opening 2021. Including winning three of their last four matchups across all formats, Sunday’s hosts have also won five of their previous seven appearances.
Team News
Sheffield United will be without loanee Ethan Ampadu, who is ineligible to face his parent club.
George Baldock, who suffered a hamstring injury on Tuesday, is being assessed but Ben Osborn is available and Enda Stevens could also return.
Chelsea
As for the visitors, while many fans were disappointed to have seen Frank Lampard given his marching orders last month, Chelsea have enjoyed an immediate boost since bringing in new boss, Thomas Tuchel. While the former PSG Head Coach might have seen his tenure in West London begin with a 0-0 stalemate against Wolves on home soil, the Blues picked up a deserved 1-0 win across the capital in midweek. Leaving the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with maximum points and bragging rights over their crosstown rivals, Tuchel has seen his new squad pick up seven points from his opening three top-flight contests. While the German tactician might still be looking to get the best out of summer arrival Timo Werner, he should be boosted by his side’s eye-catching displays at the back. Recording another clean sheet against Spurs last time out, Chelsea are yet to pick the ball out of their own net since Tuchel took charge.
Team News
Chelsea centre-back Thiago Silva is a major doubt because of the thigh strain he sustained against Tottenham.
Kurt Zouma and Kai Havertz are also being monitored, having suffered minor injuries in training.
Key Factors to Consider
- When the two sides faced off at Stamford Bridge back in November, Chelsea picked up a 4-1 win.
- The Blues have recorded three clean sheets on the bounce since Thomas Tuchel took charge last month.
- In fact, Tuchel became the first Chelsea manager to keep clean sheets in his first three matches in charge since Jose Mourinho in August 2004.
- Enjoying a recent resurge, Sheffield United have won five of their last seven matchups across all formats.
- Each of the Blades’ last three matchups at Bramall Lane has finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
While Sheffield United might be enjoying their most fruitful spell of the season so far, the relegation scrappers face a stern test on home soil this weekend. Despite landing that 2-1 win against West Brom in midweek, Thomas Tuchel’s new squad should be smelling a real chance to extend on their recent purple patch. Landing a deserved 1-0 win away at Spurs earlier in the week, the former PSG boss has seen his side collect seven points from his opening three Premier League contests in charge. Landing a 4-1 romp when they faced off against Sunday’s hosts in the reverse fixture back in November, we’re backing a similar away victory this weekend.
Verdict: Chelsea win
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Unibet
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