Premier League team news and prediction: Chelsea vs Sheffield United
Frank Lampard's Chelsea welcomes Sheffield United to Stamford Bridge in a bid to maintain their fine run of form. A 3-0 win over Rennes in midweek saw them earn their sixth successive clean sheet having corrected their defensive woes.
Chris Wilder's side have endured a nightmare start to their second season back in the Premier League and are one of three teams yet to secure a league victory in 2020/21.
In the build up to Saturday's meeting, we have all your need-to-know matchday information in one place. Looking for team news, probable XIs or simply when and where to catch the game? We have you covered.
When is kick off?
Saturday 7th November, 17:30 GMT
Where is the Match?
Stamford Bridge, London
Where can I watch it?
Sky Sports Premier League / Sky Sports Main Event
The Season So Far
Chelsea struggled in the opening weeks of the season, winning only three of nine matches in all competitions, with their defensive issues routinely exposed. Conversely, the Blues have lost just one game in 2020/21, that coming against defending Premier League champions Liverpool after going down to 10-men. The recent signs have been positive for the Blues, however. The arrival of Edouard Mendy has helped the west London side, who have now kept six clean sheets in their last seven and come into the welcome of Sheffied United on a three-match winning run.
Sheffield United are struggling with second-season syndrome. On the back of their fine return to the Premier League, the Blades have picked up just one point from their opening seven top-flight outings, that coming against promoted side Fulham. Chris Wilder is one of three Premier League managers yet to oversee a win this season and he'd love nothing more than to turn those fortunes around ahead of the international break.
Team News
The big news from the Chelsea camp this week is that Kai Havertz has tested positive for COVID-19 and is unavailable for selection for the Blues. The German's absence may see Tammy Abraham start, with Timo Werner pushed out to the left wing. Christian Pulisic's hamstring injury isn't as bad as initially feared, though he is unlikely to be risked here, while Kepa will be assessed, but wouldn't start even if fit. Billy Gilmour again misses out and in defence, Thiago Silva played 68 minutes against Rennes in midweek and is set to start ahead of the international break.
Ethan Ampadu is ineligible to feature against his parent club, so misses the trip to Stamford Bridge. Chris Wilder is without injured trio Lys Mousset, Jack O'Connell and John Fleck, while John Lundstrum, who has rejected a new contract with Sheffield United and is expected to leave in January, looks set for a bit-part role until the New Year.
Probable XIs
Chelsea (4231) - Mendy; James, Silva, Zouma, Chilwell; Jorginho, Kane; Ziyech, Mount, Werner; Abraham
Sheffield United (352) - Ramsdale; Basham, Egan, Stevens; Baldock, Berge, Norwood, Osborn, Lowe; McBurnie, McGoldrick
Key Battle - N'Golo Kante vs Sander Berge
N'Golo Kante has looked back on top form in a Chelsea shirt this season. The Frenchman ranks first for interceptions (22) in the Premier League in 2020/21, making his 50% of his total from last season. While the defensive side to his game is unlikely to be a necessity against a Sheffield United side that has scored just three league goals, Blues fans will be pleased to see Kante and his destructive best in the middle of the park as they seek yet another clean sheet.
Sheffield United pulled off a coup when they landed Sander Berge in January. The towering Norwegian had previously been linked with a high profile move to England in recent years, and yet the Blades convinced Berge to move to Bramall Lane and despite the club's lowly Premier League position, the 22-year-old still has plenty of admirers. Off the ball, he'll need to put in a fine shift in order to keep a Chelsea side that has scored 10 goals in the last three games at bay.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Sheffield United
