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Chelsea: Three things to look for at Sheffield United on Sunday

By Gabe Henderson

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 07: John Lundstram of Sheffield United is challenged by Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge on November 07, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Ben Stansall - Pool/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 07: John Lundstram of Sheffield United is challenged by Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge on November 07, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Ben Stansall - Pool/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 08: Billy Gilmour of Chelsea FC gestures during the UEFA Champions League Group E stage match between Chelsea FC and FC Krasnodar at Stamford Bridge on December 08, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 08: Billy Gilmour of Chelsea FC gestures during the UEFA Champions League Group E stage match between Chelsea FC and FC Krasnodar at Stamford Bridge on December 08, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images) /

2. Rotation

If there’s one thing this season has been good for across the board, it’s teaching Premier League managers—specifically those of big six clubs—how to rotate efficiently. The fixtures have come fast and furious during this shortened campaign and things aren’t showing any sign of slowing down. Chelsea played a game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday and less than 72 hours later, it’ll kick off against the Blades up in Sheffield. Tuchel has fielded a lot of the older heads on the Blues’ roster in recent weeks as he favored experience through the transition. All eyes now turn to the starting XI on Sunday.

In defense, there will certainly be at least one change with Silva’s absence. Christensen would be the easy choice after putting in a good shift off the bench against Tottenham. However, Tuchel may change formations as its unclear as to whether or not Azpilicueta can play three matches in a row—including two games in 72 hours.

Another player who has gone the distance in the last two clashes is Marcos Alonso. His counterpart, Ben Chilwell, will likely get the nod against Sheffield and will represent one of the few changes in midfield (assuming the Blues stick with a 3-4-3). One, or both, of Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho will also be rotated. The former took a few hard fouls during his time on the pitch against Tottenham and the latter played the 90′. Billy Gilmour is a name to watch after he’s been missing from the matchday squad for all three matches under Tuchel.

In terms of the forwards, it’s anybody’s guess as to who starts. Tammy Abraham, Olivier Giroud, or potentially both, could get the nod on Sunday after missing out at Spurs. There is no indication just yet as to Kai Havertz’s status, but between Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic, Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi, the Blues have plenty of options to step in for the German wunderkind. Tuchel’s first big rotational test will come on Sunday and who he fields could decide the outcome of the match.

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