Chelsea can take another step in their season resurgence this afternoon as they face struggling Sheffield United in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
A very impressive 3-0 aggregate win over Atletico Madrid, completed in midweek, as seen the Blues reach the Champions League last eight, and can now go one better in the main domestic cup.
Thomas Tuchel remains undefeated as Chelsea manager and will be confident of extending that run against the Blades, who have sacked Chris Wilder and look a shadow of the side fighting for Europe 12 months ago.
Date, time and venue
Chelsea vs Sheffield United is scheduled for a 1.30pm GMT kick-off on today, March 21, 2021.
The match will be held behind closed doors at Stamford Bridge.
How to watch
TV channel: Today’s match will be televised on BBC One.
Live stream: UK TV license holders will be able to watch the match online via the BBC Sport website or BBC iPlayer.
Team news
Chelsea will not risk Thiago Silva with the defender almost ready to return after a thigh injury, but boss Thomas Tuchel will not rush him back into action.
The Blues hope to have Tammy Abraham back after ankle trouble, and Mason Mount and Jorginho are available having missed the midweek Champions League win over Atletico Madrid through suspension.
Chelsea provisional squad: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Rudiger, Hudson-Odoi, Chilwell, Kante, Jorginho, Mount, Havertz, Ziyech, Giroud, Arrizabalaga, James, Christensen, Emerson, Alonso, Kovacic, Gilmour, Pulisic, Werner, Abraham, Anjorin.
Sheffield United's David McGoldrick could return to action in the tie having missed the 5-0 loss at Leicester last weekend due to a knee injury but trained on Friday.
The Blades have Jack O'Connell (knee), John Egan (toe), Jack Robinson (foot), Jack Rodwell and Sander Berge (hamstring) unavailable.
Sheffield United provisional squad: Ramsdale, Foderingham, Baldock, Stevens, Basham, Lowe, Jagielka, Bryan, Bogle, Ampadu, Bryan, Fleck, Lundstram, Norwood, Osborn, Ndiaye, McBurnie, Sharp, Mousset, Burke, McGoldrick, Brewster.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Sheffield United
Thomas Tuchel should make changes but still have few problems advancing to the semi-finals, with the Blades looking all at sea without Chris Wilder - as evidenced in their 5-0 loss at the King Power Stadium last time out.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
- Chelsea win: 40
- Draws: 16
- Sheffield United: 28
Betting odds and tips (subject to change)
- Chelsea to qualify: 1/8
- Sheffield Utd to qualify: 15/2
- Under 2.5 goals: 11/8
