Two vital Chelsea players return but another 10 ruled out for Sheffield United

It's not all doom and gloom at the Bridge at present. You may think it is, but there is hope in a few forms, promise in others; of course, worry is also attached to a few matters following recent uneven performances and results. First of all, the goalkeeping situation at CFC. Robert Sanchez hasn't won over as many Blues supporters as he would have liked to after his own often unbalanced displays in goal for Chelsea. Nevertheless, it is preferable to have the Spaniard available rather than unavailable. Although, this gives Djordje Petrovic his chance in the net to impress Mauricio Pochettino. Christopher Nkunku's timely appearance has been widely heralded and might make a real difference in attack.

Meanwhile, there is a problem on both fullback flanks: Ben Chilwell, Reece James and Marc Cucurella are all out at the moment. This leaves left-sided defender Ian Maatsen, makeshift left-back Levi Colwill and right-back Malo Gusto. Pochettino has literally just said that Maatsen could now be more involved, considering defensive injuries. Gusto, you could say, has returned at an opportune moment to properly make his name with Chels' fans. Other injured Blues personnel are as follows: Trevoh Chalobah, Carney Chukwuemeka, Wesley Fofana, Lesley Ugochukwu, Noni Madueke and Romeo Lavia.

Chelsea vs Sheffield United: stats

OK, a brief look at the two sides and their latest meetings now. Starting with Google's probability predictor: Chelsea have a 78 percent win chance, supposedly. In addition, the west Londoners were victorious in three of the past five meetings against the Blades.