Chelsea vs Sheffield United LIVE: Result and reaction from Premier League fixture tonight
Follow all the action as Frank Lampard’s side welcome the Blades to Stamford Bridge
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Follow all the action as Chelsea welcome Sheffield United to Stamford Bridge this afternoon.
Frank Lampard’s side have shown serious improvements in recent weeks, having now kept a clean sheet in their last five successive matches, and can move into the top four with a victory.
It’s been a different story for Sheffield United so far, though, with Chris Wilder’s side taking just one point from their opening seven games. Furthermore, the Blades have only scored three goals in total and desperately need a result to kickstart their season. Follow all the action below live:
Carlo Ancelotti speaks to BT Sport: "It was a good week because we recovered a lot of players from injury. I think we have a better team today, and it's a difficult game but also a great opportunity to come back and win. We didn't defend well in the last period, this is true. The fact we only have one clean sheet, against Tottenham, means we have to defend better. Manchester United have a strong team."
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer speaks to BT Sport: “Every day when you’re at Manchester United you need to deliver, because you’re in the best position, you’ve got the best possible shirt over your head, and you must go out and enjoy it. That’s how I felt when I played, that’s how I feel now when I lead them out, so I just want them to express their talents. I want a confident team working together."
Some pre-match reading:
Solskjaer has United’s support but needs another important result
United back Solskjaer but pressure mounting with every poor result
Everton can move back to the top of the Premier League with a win this afternoon, and they’ll be eager to avoid a third successive defeat.
United, meanwhile, are desperate for points following last weekend’s defeat against Arsenal. As it stands, Solskjaer’s side are in 15th, just four points above the bottom three.
SOLSKJAER CALLS FOR PATIENCE
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer explains why he deserves time at Manchester United
Solskjaer compares United tenure to planting a seed for a tree to grow
TEAM NEWS
Everton make five changes, most notably with Jordan Pickford returning in goal. Seamus Coleman and Lucas Digne are back, as is the excellent James Rodriguez, which will be a big boost for Carlo Ancelotti.
For United, David de Gea comes back in for Dean Henderson, while VIctor Lindelof, Scott McTominay and Fred also start.
EVERTON VS MANCHESTER UNITED
Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of today’s Premier League opener between Everton and Manchester United, where the pressure is firmly on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to turn the visitors’ form around and get back to winning ways.
There will be plenty of scrutiny on the teams today, with announcements due in 15 minutes ahead of the 12:30pm kick-off.
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