Sheffield United vs Chelsea LIVE! Premier League result, match stream and latest updates today
Sheffield United vs Chelsea LIVE!
Chelsea were this time on the wrong end of more late drama in the Premier League on Sunday evening. Three days after notching two last-gasp goals to defeat Manchester United in a Stamford Bridge classic, the Blues conceded a 93rd-minute equaliser to draw with the top-flight’s bottom club at Bramall Lane.
Oli McBurnie popped up with the last-gasp leveller for the battling Blades, who have shown far more heart and desire over recent weeks. Chelsea had initially taken an early lead through the returning Thiago Silva’s volley from a corner on his first start since February and were later pegged back through Jayden Bogle before Noni Madueke thought he had won the game with a thunderous second-half strike, only for McBurnie to have the final say.
Another inconsistent display harms Chelsea’s late push for European qualification, with more criticism aimed at manager Mauricio Pochettino for his divisive late substitutions in South Yorkshire. Follow Sheffield United vs Chelsea reaction live below, with expert analysis from Nizaar Kinsella at Bramall Lane!
Sheffield United vs Chelsea highlights
GOAL! McBurnie turns home last-gasp equaliser
GOAL! Madueke blasts Chelsea back ahead
GOAL! Bogle beats Petrovic at his front post
GOAL! Thiago Silva volleys Chelsea in front early
Sheffield United 2-2 Chelsea
21:03 , George Flood
Yet more inconsistency then from Chelsea, who three days after producing the very latest of late shows to down Manchester United in a Stamford Bridge classic get a bitter taste of their own medicine with that dramatic stoppage-time equaliser from Oli McBurnie.
Mauricio Pochettino will face more criticism no doubt for his divisive late changes, particularly with Benoit Badiashile at fault for that last-gasp leveller shortly after coming off the bench.
Chelsea looked tired and sluggish for long spells amid a busy run of games but will have to improve quickly ahead of next weekend’s FA Cup semi-final showdown with Manchester City at Wembley.
For Sheffield United, draws are obviously not enough at this stage to mount a great escape from relegation, but today’s battling and deserved point continues their recent upturn under Chris Wilder.
They’ve now lost only one of their last four matches and travel to Brentford next.
The Championship still inevitably beckons once more, but they are clawing back some respectability at least at the end of what has otherwise been a truly dire campaign.
GOAL! Sheffield United 2-2 Chelsea | Oli McBurnie 94'
19:31 , George Flood
94 mins: A dramatic last-gasp equaliser for the Blades!
McBurnie beats Petrovic from close range after a headed ball back into the Chelsea box.
The goal stands after a VAR check for offside. I think Disasi was playing him on there... just.
Pochettino will be seething with his side.
Sheffield United 2-2 Chelsea
19:30 , George Flood
Full-time
Sheffield United 2-2 Chelsea
19:29 , George Flood
98 mins: Added time in added time now and it’s end to end as both sides push for the latest of winning goals.
Can Chelsea do it twice in a matter of days?
Sheffield United 1-2 Chelsea
19:23 , George Flood
92 mins: Pochettino bleeds time off the clock in stoppage time by withdrawing Cucurella and Jackson.
Cesare Casadei and Benoit Badiashile on.
Sheffield United 1-2 Chelsea
19:22 , George Flood
90 mins: Five minutes of added time for Chelsea to see out.
Robinson limps off for the Blades, replaced by Vinicius Souza.
Sheffield United 1-2 Chelsea
19:21 , George Flood
89 mins: Robinson is down for Sheffield United after an awkward landing.
Arblaster has also been booked for a foul on Gallagher.
Cameron Archer has come on for Trusty for his first appearance since February.
Sheffield United 1-2 Chelsea
19:19 , George Flood
87 mins: Cucurella into the book now for a cynical foul on Hamer to halt a pacy Sheffield United counter-attack.
Petrovic is at full stretch to tip a cross over the bar before Arblaster fires off target.
Sheffield United 1-2 Chelsea
19:15 , George Flood
84 mins: What a last-ditch challenge by Ahmedhodzic on Jackson inside the box to keep Sheffield United alive! He had to get that right and did.
Chelsea pile on the pressure and Bogle knocks the ball back to Grbic, whose heavy touch almost lets in Gallagher. The Croatian just about gets it away.
Sheffield United 1-2 Chelsea
19:14 , George Flood
80 mins: Into the final 10 minutes at Bramall Lane, with Chelsea still holding that narrow 2-1 lead.
The man who gave it to them is now going off. Madueke replaced by Mykhailo Mudryk.
Sheffield United 1-2 Chelsea
19:12 , George Flood
78 mins: Madueke is okay to continue after a coming together at the front post from a Sheffield United corner.
Caicedo looks to make a very poor challenge on McBurnie and Wilder is incensed that the decision doesn’t go the Blades’ way.
Fernandez is now arguing with the Sheffield United boss on the touchline, telling him to calm down.
Sheffield United 1-2 Chelsea
19:10 , George Flood
76 mins: Chris Wilder’s first change now as James McAtee replaces Mason Holgate.
Disasi has to be alert to steer behind Osborn’s dangerous cross from the left flank.
Sheffield United 1-2 Chelsea
19:06 , George Flood
74 mins: Carney Chukwuemeka is coming on for Chelsea and surprisingly it’s Palmer who makes way.
No goals today but an assist for the Blues’ man of the moment, who is now up to 34 goal contributions for the season - 21 goals and 13 assists.
What a first season at Chelsea he is having.
Sheffield United 1-2 Chelsea
19:04 , George Flood
72 mins: Chelsea are looking to put this game to bed now as a powerful drive from Palmer is tipped over by Grbic.
Nothing comes of the resulting corner.
Sheffield United 1-2 Chelsea
19:04 , George Flood
69 mins: Disasi had some defending to do at the back post immediately after that Chelsea goal, but otherwise the Blues have been firmly back in the ascendancy.
Caicedo is denied by a crucial last-ditch challenge as he bears down on goal.
GOAL! Sheffield United 1-2 Chelsea | Noni Madueke 66'
19:02 , George Flood
66 mins: The Blues are back in front!
A thumping finish past Grbic by Madueke, who had taken on and cut inside Trusty after being picked out on the right flank by Palmer.
Chelsea seized on possession in midfield and made it count.
Can Sheffield United respond again? They had been much the better side in this second half.
Sheffield United 1-2 Chelsea
19:01 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at Bramall Lane
What a finish by Noni Madueke!
He stands up Auston Trusty, cuts inside and hits it inside Ivo Grbic's near post, curiously wrong-footing the goalkeeper.
It was against the run of play, but what a goal.
Sheffield United 1-1 Chelsea
18:56 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at Bramall Lane
Chelsea have begun to get their foot on the ball and dominate possession again.
It might provide them a platform to win the game with substitutes like Mykhailo Mudryk, Raheem Sterling and Cesare Casadei all warming up.
Sheffield United 1-1 Chelsea
18:56 , George Flood
64 mins: Chelsea are beginning to apply some pressure now as Madueke misses the target with an effort after being teed up by Fernandez.
Sheffield United 1-1 Chelsea
18:54 , George Flood
61 mins: Silva and Trusty engage in a wrestling match after Arblaster concedes a corner to Chelsea.
Grbic ends up gathering after the ball comes off the back of Trusty.
Sheffield United 1-1 Chelsea
18:51 , George Flood
59 mins: Bogle is down now after an off-the-ball collision with Jackson.
He’s back on his feet after a short delay and the game is back underway.
Still locked at 1-1 at Bramall Lane as we reach the hour mark.
Sheffield United 1-1 Chelsea
18:50 , George Flood
57 mins: That’s a very bad challenge from Robinson on Palmer and he’s perhaps lucky only to receive a yellow card.
But VAR have checked it and cleared. Yellow only.
Sheffield United 1-1 Chelsea
18:45 , George Flood
54 mins: Chelsea continue to live very dangerously here as Hamer cuts across the ball with a wicked, venomous strike that kisses the side netting on its way behind.
Sheffield United 1-1 Chelsea
18:44 , George Flood
52 mins: Brereton Diaz brings down Chalobah now and joins the Chelsea defender in being shown a yellow card.
Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at Bramall Lane
A steward just fell over trying to retrieve the ball from a poor Noni Madueke cross in front of the away fans. The turning point for Chelsea?
Sheffield United 1-1 Chelsea
18:43 , George Flood
52 mins: Chelsea try to re-inject some energy into their display but Jackson’s pass for Palmer is overhit and Grbic comes out to clear.
Madueke is then denied a free-kick on the next attack.
Sheffield United 1-1 Chelsea
18:42 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at Bramall Lane
The second half has begun much the way the first ended, with Sheffield United on top against Chelsea.
Oli McBurnie has let Chelsea off by missing a great headed chance.
Sheffield United 1-1 Chelsea
18:41 , George Flood
48 mins: What a chance for Sheffield United to take the lead!
After a Palmer-led Chelsea attack is repelled, the Blades come roaring forward on the counter.
McBurnie initially loses his footing in the box but gets back up to beat Chalobah and steer a close-range header agonisingly wide from Brereton Diaz’s left-wing cross.
Another huge let-off for Chelsea, who have started this second half much as they ended the first - in very sluggish fashion.
Sheffield United 1-1 Chelsea
18:38 , George Flood
47 mins: A sharp start to the second half from Sheffield United as Ollie Arblaster threads a ball through for the dangerous Brereton Diaz, whose low effort is blocked behind by Silva.
Petrovic claims the resulting corner.
Sheffield United 1-1 Chelsea
18:36 , George Flood
Back underway!
No changes from either Chris Wilder or Mauricio Pochettino at the break.
Sheffield United 1-1 Chelsea
18:35 , George Flood
The teams are back out for the second half at Bramall Lane.
We’ll be back underway momentarily.
A big 45 minutes coming up for Chelsea.
Sheffield United 1-1 Chelsea
18:24 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at Bramall Lane
Chelsea looked to be coasting to victory here after a good opening spell and getting ahead through Thiago Silva.
But they tired and let Sheffield United back into it. They need to improve after the break.
Sheffield United 1-1 Chelsea
18:22 , George Flood
Half-time
The perfect start from initially dominant Chelsea through the returning Thiago Silva, but they allowed the Blades back into it and Jayden Bogle beat Djordje Petrovic far too easily at his front post.
Mauricio Pochettino won’t be a happy man at the break.
Plenty of work for his side to do in the second half.
Sheffield United 1-1 Chelsea
18:19 , George Flood
45 mins: Two minutes of added time have been signalled at the end of this first half.
Chelsea on the attack again but an alert Grbic scoops up an overhit pass intended for the run of Gallagher in the box.
Sheffield United 1-1 Chelsea
18:18 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at Bramall Lane
Chelsea suddenly look very tired and flat after a good start.
There's a real lack of tempo in their play when in possession and it is suddenly a very even affair.
Sheffield United 1-1 Chelsea
18:17 , George Flood
42 mins: Madueke is caught in possession by a great challenge from Osborn, who then charges down the Sheffield United left before delivering a dangerous cross that is seen behind by Silva.
The Blades’ building momentum is halted by a foul from Ahmedhodzic.
Sheffield United 1-1 Chelsea
18:15 , George Flood
40 mins: A chance for Chelsea to restore their lead before the break but Jackson cannot make contact with Cucurella’s pinpoint low cross.
At the other end, Chalobah brings down Osborn and receives a yellow card for his troubles.
A free-kick is then headed high by Robinson and into the grateful arms of Petrovic.
This is a really good spell from Sheffield United either side of the equaliser.
Chelsea look a bit rattled after conceding.
Sheffield United 1-1 Chelsea
18:14 , George Flood
38 mins: Chelsea really need to get a grip on Gustavo Hamer here.
Not everything he is trying is coming off, but the former Coventry star is looking a real menace for the Blades and has the talent to do a lot of damage if not checked.
Sheffield United 1-1 Chelsea
18:12 , George Flood
36 mins: Chelsea penalty appeals waved away after Madueke goes down under pressure from Ahmedhodzic.
Bogle is fuming with goalkeeper Grbic, who he feels should have come to claim Caicedo’s dangerous pass intended for Cucurella that Ahmedhodzic could not clear.
GOAL! Sheffield United 1-1 Chelsea | Jayden Bogle 32'
18:11 , George Flood
32 mins: The Blades are level!
It’s nice football from Sheffield United, with McBurnie battling and passing back for Hamer, who produces a gorgeous through ball through the legs of Caicedo and inside Cucurella.
Bogle picks it up and beats Petrovic all too easily at his front post. The Chelsea ‘keeper should be doing much better there.
All square at Bramall Lane then. Pochettino will be fuming.
Sheffield United 1-1 Chelsea
18:10 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at Bramall Lane
Remarkable.
Chelsea suddenly have a spell where Hamer gets his foot on the ball and causes all kinds of problems.
The midfielder is the one bit of class in this Sheffield United team.
He picks out Jayden Bogle who wrong-foots Djordje Petrovic by shooting from a wide angle.
Sheffield United 0-1 Chelsea
18:05 , George Flood
31 mins: Another warning for Chelsea as Hamer picks up a loose header and weaves his way past Caicedo before producing a curled strike that is saved by Petrovic low to his left.
Sheffield United 0-1 Chelsea
18:03 , George Flood
29 mins: A very poor error at the back from Sheffield United almost lets Chelsea in again.
Instead they clear and start to gain a foothold in terms of possession.
Sheffield United 0-1 Chelsea
18:02 , George Flood
28 mins: Palmer with a lovely give and go now with Caicedo, but instead of trying to lash a volley on goal from inside the box he tries to tee up Jackson with a squared header that is hoofed clear.
Chelsea are knocking on the door once more.
Sheffield United 0-1 Chelsea
18:01 , George Flood
26 mins: Chelsea look dangerous every time they come forward in this first half, with Madueke and Palmer combining nicely.
The referee plays a good advantage after a knock on Caicedo, who is fine to carry on.
Pochettino will want a second goal before the break.
Sheffield United 0-1 Chelsea
17:58 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at Bramall Lane
Sheffield United are just very Championship.
This is the worst team I've seen Chelsea face in the Premier League, they are so flat early on.
Chelsea haven't got out of second gear.
Sheffield United 0-1 Chelsea
17:57 , George Flood
23 mins: Chelsea look to quickly bounce back from that mistake, Palmer driving forward before seeing a shot blocked magnificently by Sheffield United captain Robinson.
Sheffield United 0-1 Chelsea
17:56 , George Flood
21 mins: Grbic stands firm amid danger from Madueke.
What a chance for Sheffield United to equalise at the other end!
Silva initially does well to deal with the threat of Hamer down the Chelsea right, but his dreadful attempted back pass goes straight to McBurnie, who tees up Brereton Diaz for a strike that is crucially blocked by Caicedo.
A let-off for Chelsea.
Sheffield United 0-1 Chelsea
17:52 , George Flood
17 mins: A rare foray forward from the Blades sees Madueke concede a corner that is punched away by Petrovic.
Chalobah and Gallagher had a painful collision there off the post and ended up in the back of the net.
Both seem fine to continue, though.
Sheffield United 0-1 Chelsea
17:50 , George Flood
15 mins: Chelsea are completely and utterly dominant at the moment, 1-0 to the good and not giving the hosts a sniff so far.
They are totally controlling possession and probing patiently in search of another opening.
Plenty more goals in this if they want them.
GOAL! Sheffield United 0-1 Chelsea | Thiago Silva 11'
17:49 , George Flood
11 mins: The Blues break the deadlock early at Bramall Lane!
Madueke takes on Auston Trusty and gets to the byline, with his deflected cross parried by Grbic before being headed behind.
Silva is then left completely unmarked to guide Gallagher’s corner from the right into the bottom corner.
The perfect start from Chelsea, who may have performed some excellent blocking at that set-piece to leave Silva so totally free.
Dismal defending from the Blades.
Sheffield United 0-1 Chelsea
17:47 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at Bramall Lane
Shocking defending from Sheffield United, who allow Thiago Silva to volley in a finish while unmarked from a corner.
1-0 to Chelsea and murmurs of discontent from the home end.
There are chants of "how s*t must you be, we're winning away" from the Chelsea away fans.
Sheffield United 0-0 Chelsea
17:43 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at Bramall Lane
Chelsea are back to their hybrid back-three formation with Thiago Silva in the defence.
Disasi is on the right, Silva in the middle and Chalobah on the left side. Marc Cucurella is pushing forward when in possession.
Conor Gallagher just produced one of the worst shots you'll see.
The match is very flat from both teams so far, even the fans don't seem up for it.
Sheffield United 0-0 Chelsea
17:42 , George Flood
8 mins: Chelsea have the chance to swing an early free-kick into the box but the whistle goes for a foul on Brereton Diaz.
Palmer with another lively start for the Blues, teeing up Conor Gallagher for a hopeful strike from outside the box that he blasts high into the stands.
Sheffield United 0-0 Chelsea
17:40 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at Bramall Lane
There is strangely a lot of empty seats at Bramall Lane today. It's not a sight you often see at Premier League stadiums. The atmosphere feels a bit flat as the match kicks off.
Chelsea pair Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Jackson are on nine Premier League yellow cards and are each one more caution away from a two-match suspension.
They need to get through these next three games without picking up any more yellows to avoid a ban.
Sheffield United 0-0 Chelsea
17:38 , George Flood
4 mins: A spot of wrestling between the respective No15s in the Sheffield United box - rather risky stuff from Anel Ahmedhodzic as he grapples with Nicolas Jackson.
But the decision goes the Blades’ way.
Sheffield United 0-0 Chelsea
17:37 , George Flood
3 mins: Chelsea are monopolising possession early on, with Palmer coming deep with plenty of touches to try and drive them forward.
Enzo Fernandez gives the ball away with a sloppy pass and Jack Robinson looks for a ball over the top for Brereton Diaz, but it’s very well dealt with by Thiago Silva.
Sheffield United vs Chelsea
17:34 , George Flood
A little bit of a delay at the start of the game as Ben Breteron Diaz is told by referee Robert Jones to tape up his socks.
That’s a new one! We are now properly off and running.
Sheffield United vs Chelsea
17:31 , George Flood
Underway at Bramall Lane!
Will Chelsea make it back-to-back wins in their late push for European qualification?
17:28 , George Flood
The teams are out at Bramall Lane!
A bit of rain around in Sheffield today so it’s overcast conditions with a slick playing surface.
Chelsea will want to make a fast start to proceedings this evening.
17:21 , George Flood
Final preparations at Bramall Lane!
All eyes will once again be on this man after Thursday’s epic late hat-trick took him to 21 goals for the season (with 12 assists) and 16 in the Premier League.
Only Erling Haaland, Ollie Watkins and now Mo Salah have scored more top-flight goals this season than Cole Palmer.
Can he inspire Chelsea to another crucial win this afternoon in their late push for European qualification?
Mauricio Pochettino explains Malo Gusto's absence from Chelsea squad
17:11 , George Flood
Mauricio Pochettino has now confirmed that Malo Gusto is being rested by Chelsea today after a recent bout of illness.
“Malo Gusto has to rest,” he said. “He was ill before playing two games, so he has to rest.
“For us, even if we miss important players, we need to accept we cannot take a risk in this way."
17:08 , George Flood
Here is more from Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at Bramall Lane on those Chelsea changes.
Still no word on the reason for Malo Gusto’s complete absence from the travelling Blues squad.
🗣️ "Some big changes from Pochettino for another big game."@NizaarKinsella reacts to that Chelsea team news at Bramall Lane
LIVE: https://t.co/ZwiucMV5bA#SHUCHE | #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/2YgTdl9zQj— Standard Sport (@standardsport) April 7, 2024
17:00 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at Bramall Lane
Thiago Silva makes his first Chelsea appearance since February as Mauricio Pochettino makes three changes at Bramall Lane.
Trevoh Chalobah is drafted in for a seemingly injured Malo Gusto and Noni Madueke starts after winning the late penalty in Chelsea's comeback win over Manchester United.
Osborn and McBurnie in for Sheffield United after Liverpool loss
16:56 , George Flood
Chris Wilder, meanwhile, makes two changes to the Sheffield United team that pushed title-chasing Liverpool hard before eventually going down 3-1 at Anfield on Thursday night.
Ben Osborn replaces Vinicius Souza in midfield and Oli McBurnie starts with James McAtee only on the bench after a knock.
Gustavo Hamer is fit to start, while Cameron Archer is on the bench after six weeks out.
Chelsea show three changes as Chalobah, Silva and Madueke all start
16:50 , George Flood
So that’s three changes from Mauricio Pochettino to the Chelsea team that beat Manchester United late in that chaotic thriller on Thursday night.
Malo Gusto misses out altogether, so Trevoh Chalobah comes into the defence along with Thiago Silva, who makes his first start since February as Benoit Badiashile drops to the bench.
Noni Madueke is preferred to Mykhailo Mudryk and Raheem Sterling alongside Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson in attack following his impactful cameo off the bench on Thursday that included earning that crucial stoppage-time penalty.
Youngsters Deivid Washington and Teddy Sharman-Lowe come onto the bench, with Chelsea naming two reserve goalkeepers - but still no Robert Sanchez.
Still no Ben Chilwell in the squad either. Guessing that must be an injury to Gusto too.
Sheffield United team
16:40 , George Flood
Starting XI: Grbic, Holgate, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Bogle, Hamer, Arblaster, Osborn, Trusty, McBurnie, Brereton
Subs: Archer, Norwood, Foderingham, Vinicius Souza, Ben Slimane, Larouci, McAtee, Osula, Brooks
Chelsea team
16:38 , George Flood
Starting XI: Petrovic, Disasi, Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Palmer, Gallagher, Madueke, Jackson
Subs: Badiashile, Sterling, Mudryk, Bettinelli, Chukwuemeka, Casadei, Deivid Washington, Gilchrist, Sharman-Lowe
16:26 , George Flood
Less than five minutes until we get the official lineups from Bramall Lane.
Stay tuned!
16:21 , George Flood
Early confirmation here from Chelsea that Carney Chukwuemeka is fit and in the travelling squad this afternoon.
Many fans would like to see both him and Noni Madueke make the starting lineup at Bramall Lane...
On the road in blue. 🛣️#CFC | #ShuChe pic.twitter.com/CEduKF3IS6
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 7, 2024
Sheffield United team news
16:19 , George Flood
Sheffield United have been battling a long injury list throughout this most morbid of seasons.
Former England Under-21 forward Cameron Archer is back in contention today after six weeks out through injury, though Gustavo Hamer is a doubt to face Chelsea after being forced off at Anfield on Thursday following a header that went in off Conor Bradley.
Max Lowe, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Chris Basham, John Egan, George Baldock, Tom Davies, Rhian Brewster and Daniel Jebbison are all still sidelined, meanwhile.
Chris Wilder could be tempted to make changes for the second tough game facing his team in four days, despite a battling performance against Liverpool in their 3-1 loss.
James McAtee and Ben Brereton Diaz will also be assessed before today’s game.
Wilder defends Sheffield United goalkeeper Grbic after Liverpool blunder
16:14 , George Flood
Chris Wilder has also come to the defence of Sheffield United goalkeeper Ivo Grbic after his dreadful error against Liverpool.
There were just 17 minutes on the clock at Anfield on Thursday night when the Croatian international’s attempted clearance was charged down into the back of the net by Darwin Nunez to give the hosts the lead.
"You don't play for Atletico or be involved at a top major European club and involved in a top national side if you haven't got anything about you mentally and in terms of quality,” Wilder said of Grbic ahead of Chelsea’s visit to Bramall Lane this evening.
"I think there'll be more to come from the goalkeeper, but goalkeepers are going to make mistakes and it's their attitude after that defines them.
"Hopefully he doesn't make any mistakes, of course. He made a poor decision, but I thought his attitude and performance was pretty good apart from that."
It looks like Grbic, a towering January arrival from Atletico, will keep his starting spot today ahead of rival and former No1 Wes Foderingham.
Chris Wilder takes heart from Sheffield United improvements
16:03 , George Flood
While Chelsea’s focus is on a late push for European qualification, Sheffield United’s ambitions are limited to just making the end of a truly rotten season as respectable as they can.
The Blades have just 15 points and three wins to their name through 30 games since their promotion back to the Premier League following a two-year absence was followed by a tumultuous summer, sitting 10 points adrift of safety with just eight matches left to play.
Sheffield United have conceded an enormous 80 goals already in the league this season, including 45 in just 15 home games.
However, Chris Wilder is hoping that his side can claw back some respectability during the final weeks of the season after recent draws with Bournemouth and Fulham and pushing Liverpool hard at Anfield on Thursday.
"We're hopeful that we can take a lot from these last three games, especially our last home performance, and get something from the (Chelsea) game,” he said this week.
“And if we do, then we're going to have to do a lot of things right."
Pochettino urges winning Chelsea run to achieve European qualification
15:52 , George Flood
After their win over Manchester United, Chelsea go into this game sitting ninth in the Premier League table.
They are now only five points behind London rivals West Ham in seventh having played three games less as things stand, with United only a point further ahead in fifth (with the score currently level against Liverpool at Old Trafford).
So does Mauricio Pochettino believe that qualifying for Europe next term is now an attainable target for Chelsea?
"It's Sheffield,” he said on Thursday night. “Three points in Sheffield. If we want to be close again, it's about winning.
“To be consistent is most important. Of course, nine games to play still, if we win all the games, for sure we will be in Europe.
“But it is about Sheffield now."
Purring Palmer can rescue relationship between Pochettino and Chelsea fans
15:41 , George Flood
No single Chelsea player can do more to improve and foster that relationship between the fans and the manager than Cole Palmer.
Here’s Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella on the healing role the Blues’ hat-trick hero can play at Stamford Bridge...
Cole Palmer took Chelsea from agony to ecstasy inside 81 seconds on Thursday night, scoring the latest ever winner in an instant Premier League classic, and he may yet go on to achieve the impossible — rescuing his manager's fractured relationship with the fans.
Mauricio Pochettino was praying for a hero 99 minutes into this epic and 3-2 down in a match the Blues had led 2-0 after 19 minutes.
Palmer filled that brief — and then some — when he stepped up to coolly equalise from the penalty spot before ramming the ball home from the edge of the box a minute later to spark wild celebrations.
None felt the elation more than the Argentine, having come under intense pressure from large sections of the fanbase.
He spoke afterwards about feeling an emotional connection with the fans for the first time, and while he needs to back up this win with further victories, it was at least something positive for him to build on at last.
As for Palmer, Chelsea's standout star since his steal of a £42.5million transfer from Manchester City, it was his first senior hat-trick and one against the club he supported as a boy.
Pochettino out to build strong relationship with Chelsea fans
15:32 , George Flood
Chelsea’s frankly ridiculous late win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Thursday, in which Cole Palmer wrapped up a last-gasp hat-trick with two goals deep into second-half stoppage time, could yet prove a real turning point for Mauricio Pochettino.
The Argentine is now hoping to build a proper lasting rapport with Blues fans following such a rocky start to their relationship.
"I arrived to Chelsea in a different project than in the previous 10 years," Pochettino said.
"I played with my reputation to come here, in a project to build a team with young players, talented players.
"We knew it was a massive challenge to build a team, win games and to be competitive, to take the risk with the fans.
"I said from the beginning, I want to build a genuine relationship. Not kissing the badge or doing stupid things on the touch line to win the (favour) of the fans.
"I want to prove the team the tools to win games, to make them believe in ourselves and to build a relationship.
“I'm not here to be a populist and a hypocrite and say 'I love the fans', because I know it's about time to build this relationship."
Sheffield United vs Chelsea prediction
15:24 , George Flood
Such has been the frustratingly inconsistent nature of Chelsea’s season thus far, it would hardly be a surprise to see them labour here after such a dramatic win on Thursday.
Draw, 1-1.
Chelsea team news
15:15 , George Flood
Chelsea could have Ben Chilwell back this evening after a combination of injury and illness that has affected him of late and seen him miss two games in a row now.
However, there remains a familiar look to Mauricio Pochettino’s otherwise lengthy absentee list, with the likes of captain Reece James and star striker Christopher Nkunku both still sidelined along with Romeo Lavia, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana and Lesley Ugochukwu.
Pochettino is unsure if Nkunku or James will play again this season, while summer signing Lavia and Fofana definitely won’t.
Where to watch Sheffield United vs Chelsea
15:10 , George Flood
TV channel and live stream: This game will not be broadcast live on television in the UK.
The fixture was originally scheduled for 1:30pm and was not selected by Sky Sports, with Manchester United vs Liverpool and Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest the offerings instead.
Spurs vs Forest was moved backed to Sunday evening from it’s original Monday night slot due to tube strikes that have since been cancelled.
Highlights of Sheffield United vs Chelsea can be seen on Match of the Day 2 on BBC One from 10:30pm tonight.
Welcome to Sheffield United vs Chelsea live coverage
15:02 , George Flood
Good afternoon and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of Sheffield United vs Chelsea on a busy Premier League Sunday.
The Blues head to South Yorkshire this evening boosted by their chaotic, Cole Palmer-inspired last-gasp win over Manchester United on Thursday night that boosted hopes of a late run at the European qualification spots.
Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping to ease the pressure on his position further and make it back-to-back wins against a Blades team that have long since propped up the rest of the division as they prepare for an immediate return to the Championship but have toughened up in their last few fixtures, including at Anfield on Thursday.
Kick-off today is at 5:30pm BST, so stay tuned for team news and live updates, plus expert analysis from our Chelsea reporter Nizaar Kinsella at Bramall Lane.
