Chelsea vs Sheffield United Predictions

• Sheffield United have taken just one point from their seven Premier League away matches this season.
• The Blades have conceded at least twice in six of those games.
• Chelsea have lost one of their last six matches at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s defence should hold firm

Chelsea’s season is already looking like being another disappointment and the pressure on manager Mauricio Pochettino to deliver would be cranked up if his team fail to beat bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United on Saturday.

The former Tottenham manager was brought in over the summer to lift the Blues from their poor finish of 12th last season, but that is exactly the position they find themselves 16 matches into the campaign.

There has been a lack of cohesion among the expensively assembled squad and the London side are struggling to gel, but they should have enough to see off the Blades.

Chris Wilder has been drafted back in at Bramall Lane to give United a chance of staying in the top flight, but their away form has been so poor that it is difficult to anticipate an immediate improvement despite last week’s home win over Brentford.

A 1-1 draw at Brighton is all they have to show from their seven away matches since they gained promotion from the Championship and it is difficult to see a team who have see a team who have scored just four away goals causing much of a threat, so it is worth backing Chelsea to win to nil.

Blades’ goal threat could be minimal

Correct-score punters may be directed to a 2-0 home victory and the emphasis from the Yorkshire club could be on damage limitation and it could take a little time for the Londoners to break through.

However, United have conceded at least twice in all but one of their away games and Chelsea at least have the forward resources to create plenty of chances.

There is also little chance of making their presence felt at the other end because they have scored just twice in their last five away games and both of those against Fulham and Brighton were own goals, so they cannot be relied upon to generate a host of opportunities and two goals for the home team could be more than enough.

Palmer has made a solid start

Of all the signings Chelsea have made this season to try and bring success back to Stamford Bridge, Cole Palmer’s addition from champions Manchester City has proved to be one of the club’s shrewder pieces of business.

The midfielder has made a strong impression with five goals since his move to London and he has demonstrated just how comfortable he is in the squad by assuming penalty duties, scoring against his old club in last month’s 4-4 draw at the Bridge.

He can prove the driving force for the home side in the heart of the pitch and it would be no surprise if he was able to add to his tally against the strugglers.