Sunderland
have the opportunity to end another Chelsea unbeaten run when they host the
league leaders at the Stadium of Light on Saturday Night Football.
The last time the Blues lost in the Premier League was to Sunderland on
April 19, when the Black Cats became the first side to inflict defeat on
Jose Mourinho in 78 league games at Stamford Bridge.
They also shocked Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the League Cup last
season, but beating them this Saturday evening might be the biggest upset of
all.
That's because the Blues have looked unstoppable in the league so far this
season, winning 10 of their 12 matches to open up a six-point lead at the
top of the table.
They eased past West Brom 2-0 last time out while Sunderland are unbeaten in
November following draws with Leicester City and Everton and a win over
Crystal Palace at the start of the month.
Team news
Sunderland midfielder Ricky Alvarez could make his first appearance since
September after returning to training last week.
The Argentina international has been out for over six weeks with a damaged
knee but after sitting out the draw with Leicester as a precaution he has
been included in the matchday squad.
Defender Sebastian Coates is also set to return to contention following a
calf strain but Emanuele Giaccherini (ankle), Billy Jones (hamstring) and
Patrick van Aanholt (shoulder) are all still out.
Chelsea have no fresh injury problems ahead of the trip to Wearside, with
Nathan Ake (hamstring) the only injury absentee for the Premier League
leaders.
Manager Jose Mourinho may make some changes ahead of a busy period which
sees the Blues take on Tottenham next Wednesday.
Provisional squads
Sunderland: Pantilimon, Mannone, Reveillere, Brown, O'Shea, Vergini, Coates,
Cattermole, Rodwell, Bridcutt, Gomez, Larsson, Johnson, Buckley.
Chelsea: Courtois, Cech, Ivanovic, Luis, Fabregas, Zouma, Ramires, Oscar,
Hazard, Drogba, Mikel, Schurrle, Salah, Remy, Costa, Matic, Willian, Cahill,
Terry, Azpilicueta, Schwarzer.
Merson’s predictions
I think Sunderland will be well out of their depth here. Chelsea are so good
at the moment, it’s just phenomenal. Sunderland can play at 100 miles an
hour and they’ll just get picked off. Chelsea can mix it at one stage and
then they can play football, play with pace or slow the game down. They are
the complete team; they don’t have a weak link.
Their time may come later on when there are a few injuries but at the
moment, I just can’t see anything but a Chelsea win. I wouldn’t get
disheartened if I was Sunderland though. Sometimes you give your all in
these games, you may pinch a draw or get a win then great, but if you don’t
move on, don’t worry, Chelsea are a top team.
PAUL PREDICTS: 0-3
Opta stats
There have been 53 goals scored in the last 12 Premier League games between
these two sides, including 29 in the last six at the Stadium of Light.
Cesc Fabregas has scored four goals against Sunderland in the Premier
League, more than he has netted against any other opponent in the
competition.
Sunderland have lost their last nine Premier League home games against
Chelsea. Another win for Chelsea would set a Premier League record for
consecutive home defeats to the same opposition.
There have been three own goals netted in the last three Premier League
meetings between Sunderland and Chelsea.
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