England Premier League
Saturday 16th December 2023
Kick off at 3pm GMT
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Match Preview:
There have been some speed bumps but all in all this has been a terrible season for Chelsea considering the money they have spent and their ambitions. It really would be a new low if they were to lose at home to Sheffield United, but home has been a problem for the Blues who have already lost here 3 times from 8 games. The club owners could not have foreseen after spending £400m in the summer and recruiting Mauricio Pochettino that they would be in 12th place come December and that Fulham and Brentford would be ahead of them. Last weekend the Blues lost 2-0 at Everton and they have lost their last two in a row and three from four games.
Recent form at home is nothing to get excited about although it has improved slightly with just one defeat in their last four but even then only 5 points have been won at home from their last 15 on offer. The worry for Chelsea is how far they are off the league leaders, it’s almost 20 points and even the gap to 4th is 14 points.
Sheffield United have received a boost with Chris Wilder back in charge and the new manager will be aiming for his club to achieve maximum points especially in his first full month in charge. We have seen time and again how a new manager can make a huge difference before normalcy returns. But this is a very tough game for the Blades despite how poor Chelsea have been so far. The effect of a new manager was in full show last weekend though as Sheffield United beat Brentford 1-0 to win only their second game of the season. That result couldn’t shift the club from bottom place but they have moved up to 8 points equal with 19th placed Burnley and are five points from safety.
Team News:
Chelsea: Marc Cucarella will be assessed for an ankle injury, Malo Gusto, Romeo Lavia and Christopher Nkuknu could all be assessed but there are still some doubts after lengthy layoffs due to a lack of match fitness with the trio. Robert Sanchez has a knee injury but could be assessed as it isn’t thought to be a serious issue. Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chabolah and Reece James all remain sidelined.
Sheffield United: Rhian Brewster and Rhys Norrington-Davies are expected to miss out once again but could return next weekend from fitness issues. Jack Robinson is suspended for this game after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season. John Egan, Daniel Jebbison, Chris Basham and Tom Davies all remain out.
Chelsea vs Sheffield Utd Head to Head:
The clubs last played one another in the league 3 years ago and Chelsea won 4-1.
The teams met here in 2021 in the FA Cup and Chelsea won 2-0.
Chelsea have won the last three meetings in a row.
Chelsea vs Sheffield Utd Prediction:
Chelsea are no value at all at 1.25 to win we all know how under performing the club has been and we don’t expect many to back them. That doesn’t mean that the Blues have no chance of winning of course and they really should. But time and again we have seen that teams that do not boast the same quality as them have come here, dug in frustrated their opponents and caused all amounts of trouble, Sheffield United under Chris Wilder can do that.
The better value may be in the handicap in the visitors favour, they will certainly have more passion coming into this game and the pressure is starting to mount on Pochettino and his players- can they win this game? We believe so but that doesn’t mean they won’t struggle and a team should be nowhere near the price they are from the evidence we have seen this season.
Chelsea vs Sheffield Utd Betting Tips:
Asian handicap (+2 Sheffield United) at 1.68
Half Time Correct Score: 1-0 to Chelsea or 1-1 at 3.25 and 10.00
Anytime goalscorer: Armando Broja at 2.00
Anytime goalscorer: Enzo Fernandez at 3.00
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