Chelsea vs Sheffield United – Premier League Match Preview | OneFootball

Chelsea’s current squad valuation is around £765.8 million according to Transfermarkt: Sheffield United’s is £632 million less.

Despite this, both sides have suffered equally miserable starts to the Premier League campaign, with the Blades sitting rock bottom of the table on eight points, with Chelsea only 11 points higher in 12th place.

Both clubs will be absolutely desperate for a win this weekend, so here is everything you need to know ahead of the match.

Chelsea vs Sheffield United – Match Preview

Form

Chelsea: WDLWLL

Last season was supposed to be an anomaly, a one-off for the Blues before they returned towards the top of the Premier League.

With a wealth of talented youth prospects, and over £1 billion spent in a year, some were tipping Chelsea for a title challenge, under the guidance of new manager Mauricio Pochettino.

This hasn’t happened.

Seven losses and only five wins in the first 16 matches have left the club in the exact same place as last year, with a loss at Goodison Park last weekend the latest in a long list of disappointing performances this term.

Christopher Nkunku could potentially make his debut for the club against Sheffield United, providing the Blues with a much-needed boost ahead of the hectic Christmas period.

Despite the Frenchman’s return, Chelsea still have an extensive injury list, with 10 players, including captain Reece James and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

Sheffield United: LDLLLW

The return of Chris Wilder has brought almost instant success to Brammall Lane, with his second game back in charge a 1-0 victory over Brentford.

After finishing second in the Championship last term, and reaching the FA Cup semi-finals, a tough Premier League campaign was expected but thought manageable.

However, the Blades’ return has seen numerous thrashings, such as an 8-0 home defeat to Newcastle, as well as 5-0 losses to Arsenal and, most worryingly, 19th-place Burnley.

After Paul Heckingbottom was relieved from his duties at the start of December, Wilder has reinvigorated his side and will be looking to take advantage of a Chelsea team lacking in confidence at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Sheffield United are currently without numerous players, including Chris Basham and John Egan.

Last Meeting

Chelsea 2-0 Sheffield United, March 21st 2021

Chelsea sealed their place in the FA Cup semi-finals when these sides last met, with Thomas Tuchel at the helm and Champions League glory on the horizon.

The last dying light from a miserable season for Sheffield United, as they lingered bottom of the Premier League for the majority of the campaign, and were subsequently relegated.

An own goal from Oliver Norwood 24 minutes into the match saw the Blues take control of the match, with Hakim Ziyech finishing the job in stoppage time.

Chelsea would go on to lose to Leicester in the FA Cup final, making it their second final loss in two years.

Predicted Lineups

Chelsea: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Caicedo, Fernandez; Palmer, Gallagher, Sterling, Broja.

Sheffield United: Foderingham; Bogle, Ahmedhodzic, Trusty, Lowe; McAtee, Norwood, Souza, Hamer, Archer; McBurnie.

Who is the referee?

Andy Mandley

Is Chelsea vs Sheffield United televised?

UK: Not televised

Ireland: Premier Sports

USA: USA Network.

What time is kick-off?

Saturday 16th December, 15:00 GMT.

Odds

Chelsea – 2/9

Draw – 11/2

Sheffield United – 12/1

Read More: Pochettino on Chelsea: ‘We will succeed, you will see’

See Also: Arsenal vs Brighton – Premier League Match Preview

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