Frank Lampard will be looking for back to back wins as Chelsea take on Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge.
Victory for either team could lift them into the top four depending on other results around them on Saturday afternoon.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesChelsea will be without Pedro after the Spaniard picked up a hamstring injury in their warm-up at Norwich last weekend.
Mason Mount and N’Golo Kante are both available after picking up respective calf and ankle knocks, whilst Antonio Rudiger is set to feature after slight concerns over his match fitness.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Callum Hudson-Odoi (both Achilles), Reece James (ankle) and Marco van Ginkel (knee) are also absent.
Sheffield United could have John Fleck available after the Scot missed last Saturday’s defeat to Leicester with a hamstring injury,
Kean Bryan however is ruled out after suffering an ankle injury in midweek against Blackburn.
Form
Chelsea come into this match off the back of an emphatic 3-2 away win at Norwich, having previously taken a loss and draw from their first two opening games.
Sheffield United also have a similar record from their opening four games but have conceded just three goals so far.
Stat Attack
- Chelsea have won their last three meetings with Sheffield United, having lost the previous four beforehand.
- At home, the Blues have scored three goals in both of their last two clashes with Sheffield United.
- Chelsea however are yet to score three goals in three consecutive home games against the Blades.
- Chelsea’s Jorginho has already picked up three yellow cards this season, more than any other player.
- Sheffield United have played 227 long balls, more than any other club in their three games so far.
Prediction
I am pleased to see Chelsea’s fresh attacking style of play beginning to pay dividends but I am expecting a tough test because the Blades will make their defence tough to break down, whilst launching speedy attacks when get possession.
A draw therefore would be a great result for the away team but Chelsea have enough quality to win this, particularly Tammy Abraham who was left out of the England squad.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Sheffield United
Result: Chelsea 2-2 Sheffield United