Mark Lawrenson highlights key Sheffield United strength & makes Chelsea scoreline prediction

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 07: Tammy Abraham of Chelsea is challenged by Max Lowe of Sheffield United and John Egan of Sheffield United during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge on November 07, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Writing his weekly predictions column for BBC Sport, former Republic of Ireland international Mark Lawrenson tipped the visitors to earn a 2-0 win against Chris Wilder's side.

Explaining his pick, Lawro stated: "Sheffield United have won three of their past five Premier League games, which is pretty good - but they are still bottom of the table, 11 points from safety, which shows the size of their survival task.

"The Blades have shown a willingness to go for it in the closing stages of games and it has paid off - all three of those wins came thanks to a goal in the last 20 minutes.

He continued: "Hard work is giving Chris Wilder's side a chance in the first place, but I think in games like this it is Chelsea's quality that will show through - especially when their players are still trying to impress new Blues manager Thomas Tuchel."

Meanwhile, Lawro's celebrity competitor for the week, TV presenter Gethin Jones, went for a 3-1 Chelsea win, and revealed his admiration for fellow Welshman Ethan Ampadu, who will be unavailable to the Blades on Sunday as he is at the club on loan from the Blues.

The last time the two sides met at Bramall Lane, at the end of last season, a sensational performance from the Blades saw them power to a confident 3-0 win, with a David McGoldrick brace and a goal from Oli McBurnie securing Wilder's men the three points.