Premier League: Sheffield United Hoping For a Miracle Against Chelsea

Chelsea vs Sheffield United

Sheffield United are still in search for a victory as of the moment, and they will face a stern test against Chelsea over at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

The Blades, who punched above their weight with their ninth-place finish last season, have yet to win a Premier League game since early March. And their bad stretch of Premier League 2020 results has put them at the dreaded drop zone with only one point to show so far.

Chelsea are obviously placed much higher than them as they are currently at the seventh spot with 12 points, and they can go to as high as the top four should they get their second consecutive win this Saturday.

This matchup features two clubs who have contrasting journeys.

The Blues have featured a different look given their high-profile offseason signings, and they are slowly gelling together at the right time as the fixtures come in thick and fast.

On the other hand, the Blades maintained much of their last season’s core along with some few additions. However, they have been playing like they hardly know each other.

Will Frank Lampard’s men continue to build rhythm with another victory? Or can Chris Wilder’s men somehow find it within them and dig out a positive result?

Check out the latest match preview courtesy of SBOTOP.

Talking Points

Chelsea’s new signings are coming together

Frank Lampard’s scavenger hunt during the summer has been paying off as they are slowly improving on their chemistry.

Their new core has been integral during their recent run as they’re now undefeated in seven games in all competitions.

But while Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech, and Ben Chilwell have been getting much of the praise, it’s hard to overlook on the upgrade Chelsea had made for the goalkeeper position.

Can Edouard Mendy continue his clean sheet streak in their upcoming Premier League clash against Sheffield United? — Edouard Mendy kept another clean sheet during their Champions League clash against Rennes

Edouard Mendy has been a fortress for the Blues and he has already notched six clean sheets in his first seven fixtures, matching Petr Cech’s record.

From the time he was inserted into the starting XI against Manchester United, the 28-year-old’s poise and leadership was in full display and he has been their keeper since.

Coming into this game, Chelsea’s attacking depth will take a hit since they will miss some of their key players.

Kai Havertz will undergo self-isolation since he’s tested positive for the coronavirus, while Christian Pulisic is nursing a minor hamstring issue.

Their absences should open an opportunity for the likes of Tammy Abraham and Callum Hudson-Odoi to step up especially since they performed well in the last time out.

The Blades are finding their teeth

Sheffield United’s second consecutive season in English top-flight has been anything but a smooth ride so far.

The Blades are struggling mightily on both ends and they are one of the hot candidates to be dropped if this trend goes on in the next few weeks.

Despite encouraging performances recently versus Liverpool and Manchester City, they’ve only got one point after seven matchdays, and Chris Wilder’s men can no longer afford any moral victories.

Their attack is currently the worst in the league by far as they’ve found the back of the net in only three occasions.

Rhian Brewster, who was signed by the Blades during the offseason in a substantial deal, has yet to make an impact that Chris Wilder is hoping for.

They also have some lineup doubts ahead of this match, with John Fleck, Jack O’Connell, and Lys Mousset all nursing minor injuries.

opacity 0

CLICK HERE
TO SEE UPDATED ODDS

La Liga

History

Since Sheffield United are not regulars in the English top-flight, their matches against Chelsea have only come few and far between.

In their four matches together, the Blues have won twice while the Blades earned one victory along with one draw.

Last season, Sheffield United were able to upset Chelsea in back-to-back occasions.

In August 2019, they were down 0-2 at halftime. However, they mounted a huge comeback to draw level thanks to a Callum Wilson strike and an own goal by Kurt Zouma.

Sheffield United followed that one up with a comprehensive 3-0 victory last July, with David McGoldrick hitting a brace and Oli McBurnie scoring as well.

Betting Tip

	Chelsea vs Sheffield United	Chelsea Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 1.64
	November 8, 01:30 (GMT+8)

The Premier League 2020 odds are clearly stacked against Sheffield United to get their maiden win of the season.

Chelsea are priced to win at 1.39, while Sheffield United are pegged at 7.60 and a draw is at 4.60 in the 1X2 market.

Although both teams have capable goalscorers, I see this more as a defence-oriented match. So placing your wagers on either Under 2.50 @ 1.66 or Total Goals 2-3 @ 2.14 are also good bets to consider.

Frank Lampard’s side has much more depth and quality against Sheffield United, and that should prove to be the difference in this match.

With another disappointing result expected for the Blades, I won’t be surprised if team boss Chris Wilder will be on the hot seat sooner or later.