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Three things to look for as Chelsea hosts Sheffield United before the break

By Gabe Henderson

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - JULY 11: Ben Osborn of Sheffield United and Reece James of Chelsea challenge for the ball during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Chelsea FC at Bramall Lane on July 11, 2020 in Sheffield, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - JULY 11: Ben Osborn of Sheffield United and Reece James of Chelsea challenge for the ball during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Chelsea FC at Bramall Lane on July 11, 2020 in Sheffield, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea’s French defender Kurt Zouma (L) celebrates scoring their second goal with Chelsea’s English striker Tammy Abraham (R) during the English Premier League football match between Burnley and Chelsea at Turf Moor in Burnley, north west England on October 31, 2020. (Photo by MOLLY DARLINGTON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s French defender Kurt Zouma (L) celebrates scoring their second goal with Chelsea’s English striker Tammy Abraham (R) during the English Premier League football match between Burnley and Chelsea at Turf Moor in Burnley, north west England on October 31, 2020. (Photo by MOLLY DARLINGTON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Here are three things to look for as Chelsea hosts Sheffield United before the teams split for the latest international break.

Chelsea and Sheffield United have a storied past dating back to 1907. The Blues haven’t beaten the Blades in more than a decade, which is disappointing seeing as they had two cracks at their northern challengers last year. The 2020/21 looks vastly different than the campaign that concluded a few months ago, especially when it comes to these two clubs, but we still have to expect a gritty contention. Here are three storylines to watch for in the build-up and match:

1. Continuing the streak

Chelsea faces off against Sheffield—much like last season—looking to extend a winning streak. However, this time, the stakes are much larger than a potential three game victorious run. Since the arrivals of the Blues’ new signings in the summer, the team is on a defensive streak unlike any this decade. Lampard’s men have strung together five consecutive clean sheets for the first time since 2010 and they haven’t lost since before the previous international break—even that loss came down to penalties. Chelsea hasn’t lost a match in regular time since it hosted Liverpool back on September 20.

If the Blues manage to defeat the Blades, their streak will go to eight matches unbeaten. Therefore, it’s not farfetched to suggest Chelsea could head into November 29th’s London Derby with Spurs having not lost since the duo’s previous contest. Of course, there are three matches in between now and then, but it all starts with Sheffield.

The Blues need to focus all their attention on Chris Wilder’s men, regardless of where Sheffield currently sits in the table. Heading into the international break on an unbeaten run would work wonders for any team, especially one who has struggled for confidence in the last two seasons. Oh, and a six-game clean sheet streak would be nice too, but beggars cannot be choosers.

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