Sheffield United FC
Chelsea FC
Chelsea FC
Chelsea aiming to continue good form under new manager against improved Sheffield United
Chelsea to win 2-0
Chelsea are aiming to continue their positive form under their new manager with a win against a rejuvenated Sheffield United side who have picked up several important wins recently.
The away side produced an impressive performance to beat a poor Spurs side in midweek and take themselves to within sight of the Champions League positions, though will know that their good run must continue otherwise they will fall away once more.
There seems to have been a change in mentality around the club that usually comes with the introduction of a new manager, and fans will hope that their performances continue to improve as time goes on.
Sheffield United’s reward for winning three of their last five league matches is to remain bottom of the table, but are now just a point behind 19th place West Brom. Unfortunately, a 12-point gap to Burnley in 17th means a comeback remains highly unlikely.
Form Guide (all comps): LWWLW
Reasons to be cheerful:
Only defeats recently have come against Spurs and Manchester City
Have won three of the last four home meetings against Chelsea
Reasons to be fearful:
Chelsea are in a good moment right now
Have conceded 16 home goals, already more than their entire home record last season
There is certainly spirit in the Sheffield United camp, with Chris Wilder and his squad determined to make the best out of the second half of the season.
The Blades have performed excellently recently, winning three of their last five league matches including a shock win over Manchester United. Through a combination of hard work and improved quality on the pitch, they’ve closed the gap on the teams above them.
There is still a mountain to climb, of course, and 12 points is likely too much, even for a team as determined and resilient as Sheffield United.
Here against Chelsea, they will attempt to repeat their heroics over Manchester United, by being tough and breaking forward with every opportunity.
Star Man – David McGoldrick
Is United’s best player going forward, and has three goals in his last two appearances against Chelsea.
Form Guide (all comps): LWDWW
Reasons to be cheerful:
Were solid in their win over Spurs
Already kept more clean sheets this season than the whole of last
Reasons to be fearful:
Thiago Silva is a major doubt at the back through injury
Must be switched on to avoid complacency here
Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel earned their second win and their third undefeated game in a row and will once again be confident of clinching a top four position this season.
Against Spurs, they were solid rather than spectacular, though their opponents were so poor, they didn’t need to be any better than they were.
Here, they’ll be made to work a lot harder and be on their guard defensively without the influential Thiago Silva. United’s McGoldrick has enjoyed playing against Chelsea and has the goals to prove it.
The Blues have done well defensively in fairness, having kept 10 clean sheets already and if they can score early, should have enough to hold on.
Star Man – Tammy Abraham
Could get the nod up front, having scored four goals in four league matches against The Blades.
Chelsea to dominate possession
Sheffield United will get chances
If Chelsea score first, expect them to win
For these two sides, a draw is little use with three points needed to help them achieve their objectives.
In order for Chelsea to claim a top four spot and Sheffield United to stay in the Premier League, it’ll take more than a win here. But it’s a good place to start.
Chelsea come into this as favourites, and to continue their unbeaten spell under the new manager. Sheffield United can cause some problems, but are unlikely to take anything from it.
Chelsea to win 2-0
