Chelsea have been in fine form since the restart. The Blues have won six of seven matches to rise to third in the Premier League standings, and they are looking to reclaim a place in the Champions League. They have already knocked off Manchester City and Leicester City during this stretch, and they will be traveling to face a team in competition for a place in the Europa League this Saturday. Sheffield United have been trending in the other direction ahead of this match though.
Don't miss the English Premier League action from Bramall Lane in Sheffield, England at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 11, 2020. Catch every moment of the match live on NBC.
EPL Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Sheffield United +494
Chelsea -169
Draw +297
Over/Under 2.5
Odds Analysis
No matter what happens the rest of the way, this has been a very successful season for Sheffield United. The Blades were favorites to be one and done in the Premier League per the soccer betting odds. They spent a fraction of what fellow debutantes Norwich City and Aston Villa spent last summer, yet they have easily outperformed both clubs thanks to a defensive tenacity you rarely see in newly promoted clubs.
Sheffield United were in sixth place prior to the restart, and they had an outside chance at qualifying for the Champions League. However, those chances are shot thanks to a 2-2-3 record since the Premier League resumed play. They aren’t going to score many goals with a 1.03 GPG average, so they are going to have to try to shut down a Chelsea offense that has been red hot.
The Blues have scored eight goals in their last three matches as Christian Pulisic has taken the league by storm. Pulisic has been sensational over the last few weeks, creating a half-dozen goals for Chelsea and giving this attack a much-needed spark. Manager Frank Lampard has not been restrained in his praise of the American wunderkind, and everyone at Stamford Bridge is excited to see what happens next year when Timo Werner gives Chelsea the No. 9 they have been missing the last few years.
Key Injuries
Luke Freeman and Leon Clarke are slated to miss this match for the hosts, but John Fleck and David McGoldrick are considered questionable to return. John Lundstram appears ready to take to the pitch once again though after missing the last couple weeks due to injury.
Marco Van Ginkel is a long-term injury for Chelsea, and the Blues will not have Fikayo Tomori or Billy Gilmour available for this match either. Mateo Kovacic is probable, but the big concern is N’Golo Kante. Kante is the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League, but he has been dealing with a hamstring injury and is considered doubtful on Saturday.
Matchup to Watch
Chelsea’s back line has been a mess without Kante on the pitch to break up attack. The Blues conceded three goals in a loss to West Ham last Wednesday, and they allowed Crystal Palace to find the back of the net twice on Tuesday. That gives a beleaguered Sheffield United attack something to pin their hopes on. John Egan has been the talisman recently with late goals to seal results against Burnley and Wolves, so he will be the one to keep an eye on this weekend.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
The Blades have fallen back down to Earth after riding high for months. Sheffield United were never expected to contend for a place in Europe, so it’s already been a great campaign as they will likely finish in the top half of the table and receive some much-needed funds. They will be outclassed by Chelsea on Saturday.
English Premier League Odds: Chelsea 3, Sheffield United 1
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