The Blues' winter struggles persisted with a 2-0 loss to Everton last weekend, while Sheffield United, led by Chris Wilder, secured a 1-0 victory against an injury-plagued Brentford. Chelsea, who managed to mask their Stamford Bridge issues with decent performances away from home a few months ago, has seen their away form decline, suffering three consecutive defeats on the road.
Despite recent victories on the home front against Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea fell short against Newcastle United and Manchester United before the Goodison Park setback, where Abdoulaye Doucoure and Lewis Dobbin secured the win for Everton, despite a low possession statistic of 28%.
Although significant investments have been made since Todd Boehly's consortium took charge in West London, Pochettino is urging for more reinforcements in the upcoming January window as Chelsea finds themselves in 12th place in the Premier League – a sight that is becoming too familiar for the Stamford Bridge faithful.
Another defeat on Saturday would mark the first time in a decade that Pochettino has overseen three successive Premier League losses, with the last occurrence being in December 2013 with Southampton. Chelsea has already suffered 18 defeats in 2023, second only to Bournemouth (19) for the current calendar year.
The recent trend of conceding at least two goals continued for Chelsea at Goodison Park, and with additional defensive injuries, Sheffield United sees an opportunity to extend Chelsea's recent woes. Returning manager Chris Wilder, after a frustrating loss to Liverpool, saw his team secure a crucial win against Brentford, capitalizing on the Bees' injury woes.
Sheffield United remains in the 20th position in the Premier League table, trailing behind Burnley on goal difference and having only one point to make up to Luton Town. Despite their recent success, the Blades face challenges away from home, being the only Premier League team without an away win this season and ranking last for goals scored (four) on opposing grounds.
Additionally, Chelsea has a strong historical record against Sheffield United, winning the last three encounters, and no Yorkshire team has beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League since December 1999 when Leeds United achieved the feat.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Following their disappointing outing at Goodison Park, Chelsea not only endured bruised egos but also suffered key injuries, with first-choice goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and unfortunate captain Reece James both leaving the field due to injuries. Unfortunately for James, a hamstring problem has landed him in the infirmary once again, compounding Chelsea's injury woes.The extent of Sanchez's knee issue remains uncertain, leaving Chelsea fans in suspense. If Sanchez's concern turns out to be serious, Djordje Petrovic might be in line for a full Premier League debut. Adding to the injury list, Marc Cucurella was forced to withdraw due to a twisted ankle during the match.
The trio of Sanchez, James, and Cucurella now join the likes of Trevoh Chalobah (thigh), Lesley Ugochukwu (unspecified), Wesley Fofana (knee), Ben Chilwell (thigh), and Carney Chukwuemeka (knee) in the medical bay. Further assessments are also needed for Romeo Lavia (ankle), Christopher Nkunku (knee), Noni Madueke (unspecified), and Malo Gusto (tendon) closer to kickoff.
On the other side, Sheffield United will be forced to make adjustments to their defense for the upcoming match. Jack Robinson, having accumulated his fifth yellow card of the season in the victory against Brentford, will serve a one-game suspension at Stamford Bridge. This situation paves the way for Oli McBurnie and Oliver Norwood to return from their own suspensions.
With Robinson unavailable, Auston Trusty, who played on the left last weekend, is likely to return to a central role. Luke Thomas, Yasser Larouci, and Max Lowe will be vying for a place in the starting lineup, with Lowe having a potential edge in this competition.
Unfortunately for Sheffield United, Chris Basham (ankle), John Egan (foot), Tom Davies (thigh), Rhys Norrington-Davies (thigh), Rhian Brewster (thigh), and Daniel Jebbison (illness) are not expected to return soon. However, manager Chris Wilder has confirmed the involvement of George Baldock and Ben Osborn in the upcoming match in the capital.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Chelsea possible starting lineup:Petrovic; Disasi, Silva, Badiashile, Colwill; Fernandez, Caicedo; Sterling, Gallagher, Palmer; Jackson
Sheffield United possible starting lineup:
Foderingham; Bogle, Ahmedhodzic, Trusty, Lowe; McAtee, Norwood, Souza, Hamer, Archer; McBurnie
EXPERT PREDICTION
Chelsea 2-1 Sheffield United
While it may be unrealistic to anticipate a dominant performance from Pochettino's team against the resurgent visitors, the fact that Sheffield United ranks at the bottom in various statistical categories on the road gives us confidence that Chelsea can reclaim a sense of pride in blue.
