The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the upcoming Premier League game between Chelsea and Sheffield United.
Saturday has five Premier League games coming for us, with the action kicking off at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea and Sheffield United will lock horns. Both teams are in the bottom half of the table, eager to clinch a crucial three points.
For Chelsea, the struggles to find a stable footing is not going anywhere, with the Blues losing two games last week. On the other hand, Sheffield United got some respite after beating Brentford 1-0 this past weekend. But neither team is in the position they want to be in heading into the second half of the 2023/24 season.
Where To Watch
Chelsea vs Sheffield United will kick off at 15:00 GMT at Stamford Bridge in London. The game will not be available for broadcast in the UK due to a blackout on top-level football. But you can watch the highlights on Sky Sports’ YouTube channel.
For readers in India, the game will begin at 20:30 IST, with the Star Sports Network telecasting it. You can also stream the match live on Disney+ Hotstar. For viewers in the USA, Peacock will stream the fixture live, while fuboTV Canada will be your go-to medium to catch it in Canada.
Form
Chelsea: WDLWLL
It was not long ago that Chelsea scored four goals in back-to-back Premier League games, beating Tottenham Hotspur while holding Manchester City to a draw. But that seems like a distant memory, as they have managed only one win in their last four outings, beating Brighton & Hove Albion on December 3. The other three fixtures have ended in a loss, with Newcastle United, Manchester United, and Everton beating them.
Sheffield United: WDLLLW
Sheffield United welcomed Chris Wilder back into the dugout with a crucial win over Brentford last weekend. That ended a three-match losing run, where the Blades found the back of the net just once while drawing a blank against Burnley and Sheffield United. However, the three points took them from bottom to joint-bottom, with Burnley ahead of goal difference.
Key Stats
- Chelsea have won five of their last seven Premier League games against Sheffield United (D1 L1).
- Sheffield United have not kept a clean sheet in 29 league trips to Stamford Bridge since a goalless draw in October 1922.
- Chelsea have let in multiple goals in their last five league matches. The last time they conceded twice or more in six successive top-flight games was between December 1977 and February 1978.
- Sheffield United are the only team in the division without an away league victory this season, taking one point from seven matches.
- Mauricio Pochettino has won 36 of his 42 Premier League clashes with promoted sides, drawing four and losing two.
Head-To-Head Record
Chelsea have a superior all-time head-to-head record against Sheffield United, winning 41 games while losing 28 times (D16). The Premier League era has witness ten meetings, with the Blades winning four matches and Chelsea clinching five victories (D1). The most recent clash ended in a narrow 2-1 win for the Blues.
Prediction and Betting Tips
Sheffield United have been by far the worst travellers in the Premier League this season, with only one player (Gustavo Hamer) finding the back of the net for them on the road thus far. So, Chelsea to keep a clean sheet should be a dependable backing despite the Blues’ defensive struggles in recent games.
The hosts head into Saturday’s game on the back of two consecutive defeats. But with Sheffield United managing only one point in away games thus far this season, we are backing Chelsea to win on Saturday.
