Christopher Nkunku and Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino of Chelsea during a training session(Image: Darren Walsh)

Predicted Chelsea starting lineup vs Sheffield United as Christopher Nkunku debut awaits

Chelsea take on Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge where Christopher Nkunku could make his long-awaited Chelsea debut as Mauricio Pochettino is forced into changes

by · football.london

Once again Mauricio Pochettino will be forced into changes as Chelsea look to return to winning ways against Sheffield United. Robert Sanchez, Reece James and Marc Cucurella all started against Everton last weekend but will be unavailable to take to the field at Stamford Bridge having picked up injuries in the clash.

The 51-year-old head coach will be required to make three changes as a minimum as the Blades visit, but for the first time all season will have Christopher Nkunku to choose from. The Frenchman finally returned to full team training, as did Malo Gusto, after weeks of carefully managing his progression and will be available.

Pochettino noted in his press conference: "That is very good news. To be involved tomorrow and be in the squad and to start to feel the competition and the teammate after the pre-season is good news for us. We need to be calm and quiet because it is going to put all the pressure on him. Now he needs to evolve, know the Premier League. It's a big motivation for us, for the teammates, and the fans to see a player that should be important for us and to be in the squad for the first time."

While it is unlikely that Nkunku is introduced from the start of the game after more than four months out of action, the 26-year-old may have the qualities to unpick the defence of Christ Wilder's side. Pochettino is expecting a resolute opposition.

He said: "I know very well Sheffield United and Chris and it is going to be tough. They will be aggressive, low block and it has been difficult for us against a low block. Most important is working on our mentality and our way to play, find different solutions and be more solid and consistent."

READ MORE: Every word Mauricio Pochettino said on Chelsea, Nkunku return, Petrovic role and Maatsen future

READ MORE: Mauricio Pochettino reveals key Reece James date as Chelsea welcome 'new signing' return

football.london takes a look at the team that could feature for Pochettino tomorrow below.

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Djordje Petrovic

The 24-year-old Serbian will make his first start for the club with Robert Sanchez set to be out for weeks following his injury.(Image: Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
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Axel Disasi

While Malo Gusto would be the preferred option following another hamstring injury to Reece James, that the youngster is returning from an issue himself may see a more cautious approach. As a result, his French teammate will move to the right as he did against Brighton.(Image: Darren Walsh)
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Thiago Silva

Having missed his first Premier League game of the season against Everton, it will be no surprise should Silva return to the starting lineup against Sheffield United.(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
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Benoit Badiashile

The defender will have an opportunity to build some momentum as he starts in consecutive matches for the first time this season.(Image: Richard Callis/MB Media/Getty Images)
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Levi Colwill

Pochettino has trusted Colwill on the left side of defence this season, and with Marc Cucurella's absence is probably the obvious choice given Ian Maatsen has rarely featured in the position this season.(Image: (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images))
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Moises Caicedo

The Ecuador international is determined to find his best form and is set to start in the centre.(Image: Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
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Enzo Fernandez

The World Cup winner will hope he can exert the same influence at Stamford Bridge as he did against Brighton.(Image: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
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Conor Gallagher

The Cobham product is set to captain the Blues in James' absence and will have to help Chelsea find a way to unlock the Blades defence.(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
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Cole Palmer

With Sheffield United set to utilise a low block, the pressure will come on Palmer's shoulders to find a way through.(Image: Peter Powell)
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Raheem Sterling

The winger has found a way through against Luton Town and Burnley this season and will hope to repeat his success at the weekend.(Image: (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images))
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Nicolas Jackson

It's a tight battle between the Senegal international and Armando Broja for a place in the starting XI, and Jackson's ability to find opportunities may see him edge out his teammate.(Image: (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images))
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