Sheffield United vs Chelsea tips and predictions: Blades to contribute to thriller

Sheffield United came relatively close to producing one of the surprises of the Premier League season on Thursday, while Chelsea were involved in a game-of-the-year contender.

The Blades hung in there at Anfield and were level at 1-1 when Alexis Mac Allister rattled in a 76th-minute goal of the highest quality.

Undoubtedly, the hosts deserved to win the game as they limited Chris Wilder’s side to few chances and just 82 completed passes.

However, the visitors were extremely efficient, creating five chances with an average xG of 0.12 compared to Liverpool’s 29 with an average of 0.06.

Chelsea’s manic performance against Manchester United was the polar opposite. It was full of chance creation and kamikaze defending.

There have been very few spells this season where Mauricio Pochettino’s side looked at all capable of defending and they’re currently on their leakiest run.

The Blues have conceded 13 goals in six matches and allowed at least two in each despite facing Leicester, Leeds and 10-man Burnley. 

On the other hand, they know where the net is. Thursday’s four-goal haul took their tally to 18 across those six matches.

The defensive absentees are hurting Chelsea so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the hosts score at least once.

The Yorkshire club have shipped an astounding 29 goals in seven matches and the visitors have the attacking quality to exploit that.

 

Team news

Max Lowe, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Chris Basham, John Egan, George Baldock, Tom Davies, Cameron Archer, Rhian Brewster, and Daniel Jebbison are ruled out.

Gustavo Hamer will undergo a late fitness test but is expected to play a part.

Due to injury, Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Christopher Nkunku, Levi Colwill and Lesley Ugochukwu are unavailable.

Ben Chilwell and Robert Sanchez are nearing a return but won’t be rushed.

 

Key stats

- Sheffield United have conceded 29 goals in seven matches
- Sheffield United have lost 10 of 15 home matches
- Sheffield United have scored in their last three matches
- Chelsea have conceded at least two goals in their last six matches
- Chelsea have scored 18 goals in their last six matches
- Chelsea are undefeated in 10 matches inside 90 minutes

 

Suggested bets

Chelsea -1.5 Asian handicap

Chelsea win and over 3.5 goals

Both teams to score in second half