The Blues have truly bounced back from the grimness gripping Chelsea at the end of the Lampard era and secured successive wins under Thomas Tuchel. They are yet to concede since his arrival and the Thursday night win against Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur has brought them back in the ‘top four’ contention. Chelsea are now a rejuvenated force ahead of travelling to South Yorkshire to lock horns with bottom-placed Sheffield United.
On the other hand, the Blades are still recovering from a disastrous start but have regained some rhythm with three wins in their last five league encounters. It is still an uphill task to escape relegation, but the spirit must be high in the camp as they are aiming an upset at Bramall Lane on Sunday night.
Predicted 3-4-2-1 Chelsea Lineup To Face Sheffield United
Defence
Edouard Mendy in goal has certainly been an upgrade to error-prone Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Senegalese shot-stopper has clinched three back to back clean-sheets prior to the weekend tie and is expected to keep another one against Chris Wilder’s side.
Tuchel has a major concern though in his three-man defence following Thiago Silva’s injury. The Brazilian limped off the pitch versus Spurs and is likely to miss Sunday’s Sheffield fixture. Kurt Zouma is having a knock and the options, therefore, are limited before this trip. The gaffer might field a backline consisting of skipper Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Midfield
The appointment of Tuchel has handed a lifeline to Marcos Alonso who was close to parting ways in the previous windows but has cemented his place now down the left-hand flank after scoring spectacularly against Burnley a week ago. Jorginho, too, has been restored in the centre of the pitch and the work ethics of Mateo Kovacic has increased the balance and stability of this Chelsea team.
Reece James should operate from the right for his pace, power and prowess. N’Golo Kante has not been his best of late and would once again find his place among the substitutes. Ben Chilwell seems to have lost his place ever since being replaced by Christian Pulisic late into the Wolves game.
Kai Havertz has been sidelined with a knock, and the gaffer might stick with the young academy pair of Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi to operate from the advanced midfield slot. They would keep on altering their position and form various attacking set-ups (like 3-4-3 or 3-4-1-2) to attune to the demands and expectations. Hakim Ziyech and Pulisic might get involved at some stage.
Attack
Still far from his best, Timo Werner is gradually settling down in the Premier League surroundings and made a difference in North London by winning the decisive spot-kick (converted by Jorginho). He deserves a run of games and should get the preference over Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud for the time being.
