Chelsea vs Sunderland Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Both Chelsea and Sunderland come into this fixture in good spirits, and are locked on 14 points apiece in the top half of the Premier League table.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – Peacock
How to watch online: UK – Cannot be streamed / US – Peacock Premium
Chelsea preview: Maresca's men in form
It's been an excellent few weeks for Chelsea, who have now won four games in a row across all competitions, with their latest Premier League outing seeing them defeat struggling Nottingham Forest 0-3 last weekend.
The Blues were also in action in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, thrashing Ajax 5-1 to make it two wins from their three games in the league phase of Europe's premier club competition.
Sunderland preview: Continuing to impress
Sunderland have made one of the best starts from a promoted teams for a number of years as they lie seventh in the Premier League table heading into the weekend, with their latest outing seeing them defeat Wolves 2-0 at home.
The Black Cats' success so far this season has been built on a solid defence. Indeed, only table-toppers Arsenal have conceded fewer than their six goals so far in the league campaign.
Chelsea team news: Gusto ban
Malo Gusto is suspended so Reece James is likely to slot into right-back after being afforded a rest midweek, while Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez were both afforded minutes against Ajax after recent injuries.
Maresca may be tempted to deploy Joao Pedro in the number ten position behind Marc Guiu, as the Brazilian has been largely ineffective as a number nine recently. Liam Delap, meanwhile, is close to a return but will sit this one out once more.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Neto, Pedro, Gittens; Guiu
Unavailable: Colwill (Injured), Badiashile (Injured), Gusto (Suspended), Essugo (Injured), Palmer (Injured), Mudryk (Suspended), Delap (Injured)
Questionable:
Sunderland team news: One in, one out in defence
Reinildo Mandava has completed his three-match ban and could go straight into the backline, but centre-back Omar Alderete must sit this one out due to concussion protocols.
That could see Nordi Mukiele move into central defence to partner Dan Ballard, while further up the field the likes of Simon Adingra, Brian Brobbey and Eliezer Mayenda will all be considered.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Roefs; Hume, Ballard, Mukiele, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Traore, Rigg, Le Fee; Isidor
Unavailable: Alderete (Concussion), Hjelde (Injured), Alese (Injured), Cirkin (Injured), Diarra (Injured), Mundle (Injured)
Questionable:
Chelsea vs Sunderland prediction
Few would have expected that Chelsea and Sunderland would be locked on 14 points after eight games of the Premier League season, but that is precisely the case with as they prepare to lock horns at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
What makes Sunderland's start even more impressive is the number of injuries that Regis Le Bris has had to contend with. Chelsea have had plenty of absentees themselves, but their considerable squad depth was on full display in their midweek Champions League mauling of Ajax.
The bookies are naturally favouring the hosts here, but an interesting market to consider could be that of under 2.5 goals, with Sunderland having proven to be an excellent defensive unit so far.
Chelsea vs Sunderland tip: Under 2.5 goals
