Facing the prospect of three consecutive Premier League losses for the first time under Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea welcomes a resurgent Sheffield United to Stamford Bridge this Saturday. Chelsea's struggles persisted with a 2-0 defeat to Everton, while Sheffield United, under Chris Wilder, secured a 1-0 victory against an injury-plagued Brentford.
Chelsea Match Preview
Just a couple of months ago, Chelsea found solace in commendable away performances, masking issues at Stamford Bridge. However, Mauricio Pochettino's side has witnessed a decline in their away form, enduring a third successive defeat on the road last weekend.
Despite a nervy home win over Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea fell short against Newcastle United and Manchester United before succumbing to Everton at Goodison Park. Second-half goals from Abdoulaye Doucoure and Lewis Dobbin secured the win for relegation-battling Everton, who prevailed despite possessing only 28% of the possession.
Since Todd Boehly's consortium took charge, Chelsea has been active in the transfer market, but Pochettino now calls for further signings as they languish in 12th place in the Premier League table. A defeat on Saturday would mark the first time in a decade that Pochettino oversees three successive Premier League losses.
Chelsea's 18 defeats in 2023 rank second only to Bournemouth (19) for the current calendar year. The recent loss at Goodison Park also highlighted a concerning trend, marking the fifth consecutive Premier League game where Chelsea conceded at least two goals. With additional injuries in their defensive ranks, Sheffield United sees an opportunity to extend Chelsea's woes.
Chelsea Team News
Exiting Goodison Park with bruised egos, Chelsea faced further setbacks as first-choice goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and captain Reece James left the field injured. James is now set for another stint on the sidelines due to a hamstring problem. The extent of Sanchez's knee issue remains uncertain, possibly paving the way for Djordje Petrovic to make his full Premier League debut. Marc Cucurella completed the trio of injuries with a twisted ankle.
These players join a growing list of sidelined individuals, including Trevoh Chalobah (thigh), Lesley Ugochukwu (unspecified), Wesley Fofana (knee), Ben Chilwell (thigh), and Carney Chukwuemeka (knee). Additionally, assessments are pending for Romeo Lavia (ankle), Christopher Nkunku (knee), Noni Madueke (unspecified), and Malo Gusto (tendon) closer to kickoff. The injury woes present a challenging situation for Chelsea as they navigate through a demanding period.
Chelsea Possible Lineup
Petrovic; Disasi, Silva, Badiashile, Colwill; Fernandez, Caicedo; Sterling, Gallagher, Palmer; Jackson
Sheffield United Match Preview
Despite a vexed homecoming against Liverpool, Chris Wilder found redemption as he guided Sheffield United to a crucial win over Brentford. The Blades, currently in 20th place, closed the gap to Luton Town to just one point, setting the stage for a pivotal Boxing Day clash.
Facing Brentford at an opportune time, Sheffield United took advantage of the Bees' injury struggles, securing their second win of the season with a James McAtee stunner. While the victory didn't alter their league position, the Blades are now only behind Burnley on goal difference.
However, their away struggles persist, being the only Premier League team without an away win this season. With the joint-worst record for goals conceded on the road (20, alongside West Ham United), Sheffield United faces challenges away from Yorkshire. Additionally, historical statistics favor Chelsea in their upcoming clash, as the Blues have triumphed in the last three encounters between the two teams, and no Yorkshire team has beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League since December 1999 when Leeds United achieved the feat.
Sheffield United Team News
Sheffield United faces defensive adjustments for the upcoming match at Stamford Bridge, with Jack Robinson suspended due to accumulating five yellow cards this season. Returning from their own bans, Oli McBurnie and Oliver Norwood will strengthen the squad.
In Robinson's absence, Auston Trusty, who played on the left last weekend, is likely to shift to a central role. The battle for defensive positions intensifies, with Luke Thomas, Yasser Larouci, and Max Lowe vying for inclusion. Lowe holds a favorable position in this competition.
Injury concerns persist for Chris Basham (ankle), John Egan (foot), Tom Davies (thigh), Rhys Norrington-Davies (thigh), Rhian Brewster (thigh), and Daniel Jebbison (illness), as their return is not anticipated soon. However, George Baldock and Ben Osborn are confirmed to be part of the squad for the capital clash. Sheffield United faces the challenge of reshaping their backline while dealing with ongoing injury issues ahead of the match.
Sheffield United Possible Lineup
Foderingham; Bogle, Ahmedhodzic, Trusty, Lowe; McAtee, Norwood, Souza, Hamer, Archer; McBurnie
Chelsea vs Sheffield United Head-to-Head
Kickoff Time
Chelsea will host Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon around 4 pm at Stamford Bridge.
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