Date: 16 December 2023
Kick-Off: 15:00 UK, 16:00 CET
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Contents
Chelsea vs Sheffield United: Top free betting tips
It's approaching must-win territory for Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea if he wants to keep his job and his side welcome Sheffield United to Stamford Bridge on Saturday 16 December. The pressure is on and our Chelsea vs Sheffield United prediction is for a comfortable home win to relieve the pressure on Pochettino and his players.
Match handicap prediction: Chelsea -1
Chelsea have been accused of playing too open at times this season and while their situation hasn't been helped by injuries, the Blues may benefit from such an approach here. It allowed them to impose themselves on the other the other two promoted teams, Luton and Burnley, when they played them earlier in the season as they managed to beat both by three goals each. Can they do the same against Sheffield United?
Total goals prediction: Over 3.5 goals
Chelsea are one of the most entertaining teams in the Premier League with 26 goals scored and 26 goals conceded in 16 league matches this season. Four of their last six games have seen more than three goals scored while Sheffield United have been on the receiving end of several batterings already this season, including an 8-0 loss to Newcastle and 5-0 losses to Arsenal and Burnley.
Correct score prediction: Chelsea 4-1 Sheffield United
Although Sheffield United have looked brighter under Chris Wilder, this game should be beyond them, especially with Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia reportedly ready to make their full Chelsea debuts. Could this match be a turning point in Chelsea's season and Pochettino's managerial stint at the club?
Chelsea vs Sheffield United team news
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Sheffield United
Reece James is once again injured for Chelsea for this fixture with the Blues skipper now nursing a hamstring problem. Another player who picked up an injury in the loss to Everton was Robert Sanchez so a debut for Djordje Petrovic in between the sticks could be on the cards. On a more positive note, Romeo Lavia and Christopher Nknunku could finally make their Chelsea debuts after the pair made big money moves in the summer.
Petrovic – Disasi, Silva, Badiashile, Colwill – Lavia, Caicedo, Fernandez – Sterling, Nkunku, Palmer
Sheffield United predicted lineup vs Chelsea
Jack Robinson will be missing from action at the back for Sheffield United for this one after the defender picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Brentford last week. Wilder will be rueing the suspension with Chris Basham and John Egan also unavailable due to injury and George Baldock will face a late fitness test. In some positive news, Oli McBurnie and Oliver Norwood are available again after serving their suspensions.
Foderingham – Bogle, Ahmedhodzic, Trusty, Lowe – Norwood, Souza – Hamer, McAtee, Archer – McBurnie
Chelsea vs Sheffield United: What the fans think
Blues banking on Nkunku
Sheffield united funeral on saturday.
Nkunku is definitely scoring and i’ll be there pic.twitter.com/oSY4AdRdFB
— CFCDatro (@CFCDatro) December 14, 2023
Blades fancy their chances
We can definitely get something on Saturday btw. Robbo is a big miss though.
— All Things Sheffield United (@AllThingsBlades) December 11, 2023
How far will Sheffield United fans travel to Chelsea?
Sheffield United fans have a long journey to look forward to on Saturday from South Yorkshire to West London. In total, the distance is around 170 miles and it will take fans around four hours to get there on the coach or in a car. The journey is quicker via public transport so most Blades' fans will get the train from Sheffield to St Pancras International before switching to the London Underground to get to Stamford Bridge via Fulham Broadway.
Chelsea vs Sheffield United: Tickets
All standard Chelsea tickets have been sold for this fixture with all tickets going to season ticket holders at Stamford Bridge and official club members. Sheffield United received an allocation of 3,065 tickets and they have also sold out their away end. All Sheffield United tickets went to season ticket holders who had the necessary loyalty points.