Trevoh Chalobah And Thiago Silva To Start; Benoit Badiashile Out: Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Face Sheff Utd

The last-gasp win against Manchester United on Thursday night should give Chelsea the shot in the arm they need as they target a strong end to the season.

Despite all the issues this campaign, there is now a realistic possibility that the Blues could finish as high as 6th if they manage to put a run of form together.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side face Sheffield United on Sunday evening. The Blades were somewhat unlucky to lose against Liverpool midweek but they are bottom of the table for a reason.

Press the next page as we predict Chelsea’s starting eleven for the match at Bramall Lane.

Goalkeeper and Defence

GK – Djordje Petrovic –  couldn’t do anything about the goals against United but he will be hoping for a quieter evening this weekend.

RB – Malo Gusto – the Frenchman continues to perform well and he will keep his place to face Sheffield United.

CB – Trevoh Chalobah – Axel Disasi deserves to be dropped after another poor display against Man United. Chalobah is the most likely player to come into the XI.

CB – Thiago Silva – Benoit Badiashile looked all at sea on Thursday night so Pochettino will consider recalling the Brazilian veteran who can provide a more assured presence in the backline.

LB – Marc Cucurella – if Ben Chilwell is fit, he could be in line for a recall but this game may come too soon for the vice-captain. Despite looking rather unconvincing defensively versus Man United, Cucurella could keep his place for now.

Midfield

CM – Moises Caicedo – the Ecuadorian performed solidly in the opening exchanges against United but it was all undone with one mistake for Alejandro Garnacho’s first goal.

Due to the limited options in midfield, though, it seems very unlikely that Caicedo will be dropped.

CM – Enzo Fernandez – the 23-year-old looked miles off the pace midweek, but he shouldn’t have as much trouble getting to grips with the game against the Blades, who usually like to sit back and allow opposition teams to dictate play.

AM – Conor Gallagher – it’s been a difficult week for the midfielder but he responded admirably by getting on the scoresheet on Thursday. He is set to keep his place at no.10.

Forwards

RW – Cole Palmer – just an outstanding talent. If Chelsea had ten more players like him, they would be challenging for the title rather than sitting midtable.

Palmer has exceeded all expectations, with his hat-trick against Man United taking him to 31 goal contributions this season.

CF – Nicolas Jackson – the Senegalese international didn’t offer a lot midweek and Pochettino will want to see an improved display at Bramall Lane this weekend.

LW – Mykhailo Mudryk – played his part in the build-up to Chelsea’s first penalty on Thursday. However, he still needs to improve in terms of keeping possession.