SHEFFIELD UNITED host Chelsea in Sunday night's Premier League match-up. James Cantrill (@JimmyThePunt) shares his thoughts on the fixture.
Sheffield United vs Chelsea | Sunday 7th February 2021, 17:15 | Sky Sports
Sunday’s Premier League action concludes at Bramall Lane as basement boys Sheffield United welcome Chelsea at 19:15.
The Thomas Tuchel era is off to a flyer, the Bavarian remains unbeaten and has taken seven points from a possible nine. However, the Blades may be a tough nut to crack. They have won four of their last six games- besting Spurs and Man Utd amongst others- and they must get a result if they are going to keep their slim hopes of survival alive.
Jayden Bogle is available at 20/1 to score anytime. I don’t think I have seen him this long, ever, since he was signed by the Blades at the start of the season. He is as short as 10/1 with Spreadex and if you fancy a punt on something even more audacious, Bet365 have him to score first at 50/1!
Granted, it is a small sample size- given that he has only played ten games for the Blades- but Bogle has a non-penalty xG of 0.2 and he averages 1.89 shots per 90. He has also scored three goals, in all competitions, with the latest addition coming in SUFC’s most recent game vs West Brom.
The most striking thing about Bogle is his attacking ability and the knack he seems to have of being in the right place at the right time, as was the case for both of his EPL goals when the ball fell to him unmarked in the box. While he does manage to rack up the shots- 10in five starts- it is a wonder he has not accumulated more.
The Blades lack of end product has cost them plenty of points this season and their poor decision making in the final third is also the reason why Bogle has not found the net more frequently. Often he lingers in the most advantageous places but is rarely picked out.
The ex-Derby youngster is usually half the price available today and whilst you would expect some inflation given the opposition I do not think 20/1 is justifiable, especially considering that he will be brimming with confidence following his most recent performance.
As always, I also like the look of the prices available for any of Sheffield United’s midfield trio to receive a card. John Lundstram is 5/1 with William Hill and Bet 365 have Ollie Norwood at 4/1 and John Fleck at 6/1.
In Sheff Utd's last five games, at least one of these three players have picked up a card on every occasion! Therefore, if you wanted to edge your bets you could back all three and given their price, make profit if one player gets booked.
Lundstram has the worst disciplinary record- 5Y and 1R- but Norwood has been carded in half of his most recent six appearances. For this fixture though, my allegiance is with John Fleck.
Chris Wilder joked that the Blades have been playing his brother Jimmy this season, which is believable given the polar opposite in quality of his performance this season compared to last.
However, the little Scotsman looks back to his best and coinciding with his upturn in form appears to be the tenacity in which he plays. He was carded vs the Baggies for cynically stopping a counter-attack but was very fortunate to avoid a card following his first foul as he split Snodgrass in two. Of the three Blades midfielders, I also thing Fleck stands the best chance of lasting the 90 and given his is the longest price, I could not resist.
Best Bets
Sheffield United vs Chelsea – Sheffield United +1 Asian Handicap (23/20 Bet365)
Sheffield United vs Chelsea – Jayden Bogle to score at anytime (20/1 Bet365)
Sheffield United vs Chelsea – John Fleck to be carded (6/1 Bet365)
