Bramall Lane hosts London’s Chelsea tomorrow in a Premier League battle for a potential 20/21 European football spot.
After John Egan grabbed a late winner for the Blades against Wolves on Wednesday, Sheffield United will be eager to take another three points. However, Frank Lampard’s side is on a good run of form, winning four of their last five Premier League games and will prove a tough assignment for Sheffield.
These two sides have opposing strengths. Chelsea are haven’t had too many issues putting the ball in the back of the net scoring 63 goals so far this season and United have only scored 35. However, Sheffield has one of the top defences in the league, having conceded only 33, good enough for joint third with Manchester United, whereas the Blues have allowed 46 – joint with tenth-placed Burnley, the worst in the top half of the table.
Chris Wilder’s United will need to keep the pressure on Chelsea and attack the box relentlessly. Chelsea, on the other hand, will need to take any chances they can get to beat the Sheffield defence that has been in good form as of late.
Team News
For United, John Fleck and forward David McGoldrick are currently being monitored after missing Wednesday’s victory due to injuries. Furthermore, big frontman Oli McBurnie is also being assessed after he had to be substituted after just 49 minutes against Wolves due to fatigue.
N’Golo Kante and Billy Gilmour will both be absent from the Chelsea side, as well as Fikayo Tomori.
Previous Meeting
These two clubs last played in August, where a Kurt Zouma own goal allowed the Blades to grab a surprising 2-2 draw and earn a point.
It was 2-0 at half-time thanks to a Tammy Abraham brace, but almost immediately after half time thanks to Callum Robinson, and it was his cross late on in the game, which deflected off of Zouma and into the Chelsea net.
One to Watch
It’d be easy to say Egan deserved the “one to watch” tag for this game. But Jack O’Connell takes it this time. Despite not really going for the overlapping centre-half role United’s three defenders usually play, O’ Connell was solid against Wolves, particularly since it was his first full 90 minutes since returning from injury. He won numerous key headers and had a really positive impact defensively. Hopefully, as he returns to full match fitness, he’ll really help push this Sheffield side further towards a European football place.
Coverage
The game kicks off at 5:30 pm and will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage starts at 5 pm.
