LiveUpdated
Saturday 11 July 2020 18:20
Follow all the action from Bramall Lane as Chelsea attempt to strengthen their grip on the top four
Chelsea are taking on Sheffield United at Bramall Lane today as the Blues look to close in on a place in next season’s Champions League.
Back-to-back wins against Watford and Crystal Palace have seen Chelsea rise to third, but Leicester and Manchester United are breathing down their necks. Sheffield United are on a good run of their own and can step up their chase for the Europa League with a win here today.
Follow all the action below:
45+1 min: There’ll be two added minutes.
43 min: James has a go from distance and Henderson makes a routine save. He almost parries it into the path of Abraham, but just about gets away with it.
42 min: This has been a tame first half from Chelsea, who’ve spent most of it passing the ball sideways without any hint of penetration. Sheffield United, at the moment, look like they could defend their lead all day.
39 min: Pulisic weaves his way inside from the left and tries to guide the ball towards Abraham. He can’t reach it, and Chelsea’s frustration continues.
35 min: All the talk at Chelsea is about the signings of Werner and Ziyech, and the potential arrival of Kai Havertz. But it’s clear to anyone who watches them regularly that they need improving at the back. They’ve been found wanting again here.
32 min: Chelsea have spent the eight minutes or so since the drinks break passing the ball around and getting pretty much nowhere with it. Sheffield United are working hard to keep them at bay, but they look comfortable at this stage.
28 min: Chelsea can find no way through a wall of red and white shirts at the moment. Everything they try is being repelled, and Abraham as the lone striker has been anonymous.
23 min: The referee signals towards touch for a drinks break. Lampard will probably want to get some instructions across to his players.
21 min: Going behind probably won’t be overly concerning for Chelsea, who have scored more goals away from home than any side in the Premier League. They do ship a fair amount of them at the other end, too. And Sheffield United are looking very well organised early on.
14 min: Chelsea are beginning to control possession and force the home side back. They’ve struggled to create any real chances of note so far, though.
12 min: Christensen is back on the pitch and ready to continue.
10 min: Christensen is down after a challenge with McGoldrick and needs some treatment. It’ll be a welcome pause in play for the players, because the game has started at a ferocious tempo.
7 min: An excellent cross from James, who spots the run of Pulisic at the back post and whips the ball in his direction. The American gets to it first, but he’s off balance and can’t guide his effort on target.
6 min: Kepa punches clear a corner, but it comes out to Osborn, who slices a shot over the bar from the edge of the box. It’s been a positive start from the hosts.
5 min: Chelsea are caught out at the back and Sheffield United look to take advantage. Norwood crosses for McGoldrick in the middle, and the striker can’t quite get his head to the ball before Reece James.
2 min: Pulisic races forward on the left and finds Barkley to his right. His low shot is easily saved by Henderson.
Prediction
Both clubs are in good form but Chelsea should have too much quality. Sheffield Utd 0-1 Chelsea.
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