Having managed to register their first win of the new season against Norwich City last weekend, Frank Lampard’s Chelsea will look to continue their winning run when they welcome Sheffield United to Stamford Bridge this weekend. The Blades beat Blackburn in the second round of the League Cup earlier this week but had lost to Leicester City in their last league game.
Chelsea will be clear favourites to take all three points from this game but United have a hard-working squad that can frustrate the hosts. There are a number of star players in both squads that can win this game for their sides and here are five such players to look out for in this game.
CHELSEA VS SHEFFIELD UNITED: 5 KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Christian Pulisic
Pulisic is yet to score his first goal in Chelsea colours. He has started each of the last two games and has created plenty of chances from the flank but he is yet to have a direct impact on the result and this could be his day.
Chris Wilder will set up an organized side for this game and the pace of Pulisic could be crucial to breaking them down. He just needs one goal to kick off his Premier League career and this could be his night.
Mason Mount
The youngster is slowly turning into an irreplaceable asset for Frank Lampard in the middle of the park. Playing in an attacking midfield role, Mount’s energy and instincts have already given him a couple of goals this season. He has done well to add some creativity to the midfield in an advanced role and United may find it tough to keep him out of the game.
Tammy Abraham
Another youngster who is slowly cementing his place in the first team under Lampard, Abraham was not at his best at the start of the season but in the game against Norwich, he was unstoppable.
He picked up a brace, created a couple of chances and was too hot to handle for the Norwich backline. He will look to put in a similar performance against yet another side that is just back in the top flight.
Oliver Norwood
Sheffield United’s most creative source has been midfielder Norwood, who incidentally plays in a deep midfield role. Norwood has created eight chances so far this season, more than any other player for The Blades.
He is excellent with the defensive work, adding a cover to the backline but his ability to set up his side on the counter has troubled some of the best teams in the country for over a year now. He will certainly look to sit back and hurt Chelsea on the break and his movement will be a treat to watch against a quality opponent like Chelsea.
Jack O’Connell
United have not been too exciting going forward but they certainly look an organized unit, that defends together as a team. But the importance of O’Connell’s ability to read the game early and sniff out danger cannot be overstated.
He has registered 1.3 interceptions per game along with five clearances on an average. O’ Connell is adept at soaking up pressure and frustrating the opponents, a ploy that could work wonders against Lampard’s side.
