Chelsea host Premier League relegation-battling Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge.
Victory would see Chelsea move up to tenth if Fulham lose elsewhere, whilst Sheffield Utd can climb to 18th with a win if Luton fail to win elsewhere.
Team News
Robert Sanchez (knee), Reece James (hamstring) and Marc Cucurella (ankle) are all ruled out for Chelsea, after they were substituted in the Blues’ defeat at Everton last weekend.
Malo Gusto (tendon) and Christopher Nkunku (knee) could feature but Romeo Lavia (fitness) and Noni Madueke (knock) are unlikely to be risked.
Lesley Ugochukwu (knock), Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell (both hamstring), Wesley Fofana (ACL) and Carney Chukwuemeka (knee) remain ruled out.
Sheffield Utd will welcome Oliver Norwood and Oli McBurnie back from suspension but Jack Robinson is suspended after he picked up his fifth booking of the season in the Blades’ win over Brentford.
George Baldock (hamstring) could return but Chris Basham (ankle), John Egan (foot), Rhian Brewster, Rhys Norrington-Davies (both hamstring), Tom Davies (thigh) and Daniel Jebbison (illness) are still sidelined.
When is Kick-Off?
Chelsea host Sheffield Utd at Stamford Bridge in a 3pm GMT kick-off on Saturday 16 December, untelevised live in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Chelsea are unbeaten in six of their last seven Premier League meetings against Sheffield Utd (W5, D1, L1).
- Sheffield Utd have claimed just four points from five previous Premier League trips to Chelsea (W1, D1, L3).
- Both teams have scored in three of their last four league meetings, except for a 3-0 home win for Chris Wilder’s Blades at Bramall Lane in July 2020.
- Chelsea have won just one of their last six league matches at home (W1, D2, L3).
- Sheffield Utd are the only team yet to win away from home in all competitions this season.
Prediction
Inconsistency continues to sum up Chelsea’s campaign because despite their dominance at Everton, they were incredibly wasteful with little composure in their end product, whilst their defence just failed to deal with Everton’s blocked attempts and were clinically punished.
Sheffield Utd meanwhile seem more cohesive in just two games under Wilder because they were much more disciplined at the back, but strongly calm and composed in their attacking moves to beat Brentford which is a positive coming into this game where more of the same is needed.
Chelsea however should have enough quality to bounce back with a win but given their defensive sloppiness and injuries, I wouldn’t be surprised if they concede here.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Sheffield United
Result: Chelsea 2-0 Sheffield United
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