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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 – 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) /

3. Trap game

If one were to look up the definition of trap in the dictionary, a photo of Bramall Lane would appear. Every Premier League club has their bogey club; with Watford and Bournemouth being relegated last season, that title gets handed off to Sheffield United in the eyes of Chelsea. The Blades came back from 2-0 down to earn a draw and hammered the Blues 3-0 last season. Further, they gave Frank Lampard’s side a scare when they opened the scoring earlier this campaign. These teams are vastly different though and Tuchel’s traveling side will be ready to extend its winning streak.

Regardless, the emotions are running high in the Chelsea team. On the back of a massive victory over Tottenham—and with some important fixtures against Manchester United and Atletico Madrid on the horizon—it’s easy to overlook the last-placed foes this weekend. Sheffield United is in very good form though, which makes this clash even more dangerous. The Blades started off this season incredibly poorly in terms of points. That being said, the play began to shift early on. Chris Wilder’s side was playing teams close and simply getting unlucky, but as of late, they’ve begun to close the gap on the teams above them.

Sheffield is the heavy favorite to get relegated at the moment, that’s no secret to anybody. However, that’ll give the Blades a lot of added motivation. Not to mention, they are also riding a wave of emotion following a win over relegation contenders West Brom. The Blues need to be careful and perhaps the biggest thing to keep an eye on is their attitude in the opening 30 minutes or so of the match. A sluggish start—combined with the continued goalscoring drought from the forwards—could spell disaster for the visitors. If Chelsea keeps its eye on the prize and takes care of business though, this game is just another hurdle in the race for the top four. Champions League place contenders like Manchester United, Aston Villa and Liverpool all have massive games at the weekend and this could be the Blues’ chance to close the gap once again.

Next. Chelsea: Thomas Tuchel aces his first big tests for the Blues. dark

What are some things you’ll be looking for in the match? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

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