Chelsea will be aiming to get back to winning ways in the Premier League on Saturday when they welcome Sheffield United to Stamford Bridge.
After a hard-fought 3-2 win over Brentford at home, the Blues have lost back-to-back away games against Manchester United and Everton respectively. This means they have lost three of their last four fixtures in the Premier League.
Most recently, a 2-0 loss to Everton has left the Pensioners 12th in the table and Mauricio Pochettino under immense pressure. Pochettino should be seeking a stirring response from his boys against Sheffield United, who lost 2-0 to Liverpool in their last fixture.
Chelsea Team News
Captain Reece James is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines once again after suffering a hamstring problem against Everton last weekend. Robert Sanchez suffered a knee problem in the second half at Goodison Park last weekend and was taken off, so he remains a big doubt to face Sheffield United.
Ben Chilwell, Trevoh Chalobah, Carney Chukwuemeka and Wesley Fofana remain out, but Malo Gusto and Lesley Ugochukwu could be available for selection. Meanwhile, Chelsea could finally see both Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia make their full debuts after weeks of rehabilitation.
Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Sheffield United (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Robert Sanchez aggravated a knee issue in the 2-0 defeat to Everton last weekend and it is unclear how long he will be out, so Mauricio Pochettino must rely on Dorde Petrovic to keep goal for Chelsea against Sheffield United.
Defence
Thiago Silva was an unused substitute against Everton but is likely to be recalled in the starting XI, prompting a reshuffle at the back. This could see Axel Disasi replace the crocked Reece James at right-back, even though Malo Gusto recovers in time for the visit of the Blades.
Levi Colwill could get the nod over Marc Cucurella for the left-back spot, while Benoit Badiashile is expected to hold his position and partner Silva in central defence.
Midfield
Pochettino is set to stick with the midfield trio of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Conor Gallagher. Fernandez and Caicedo should form the double pivot in the middle of the park, hoping to take control of the game and dictate terms as quickly as possible. Gallagher, who will lead the Blues in the absence of James, should bring energy, creativity and tenacity from the No.10 position.
There is a chance of Romeo Lavia being available on Saturday. The Belgian could get some minutes off the bench against Sheffield United.
Attack
Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson are pushing for recalls to the starting XI after coming on as substitutes in Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat to Everton. The duo could replace Mykhaylo Mudryk and Armando Broja on the left flank and up top respectively. Cole Palmer, who has been among Chelsea’s shining lights this season, is certain to keep his place on the right flank.
Christopher Nkunku may look to make an impact if deemed fit to feature off the bench at the weekend.
