Sunderland vs Chelsea: Injury News, Tactics, Stats, Preview And Prediction

After an emphatic game against Tottenham Hotspur last time out, Chelsea will be traveling to face Sam Allardyce’s side Sunderland at the Stadium Of Light this Saturday.

Chelsea came from being 2-nil down to draw the game, and the result handed Leicester City their first ever Premier League Trophy. On the other hand, Sunderland in their last game drew to Stoke City and that took them to the 18^th spot, behind Newcastle United, but have a spare game in hand.

A win for Chelsea would not affect the league table as they are currently 7 points behind Liverpool, but a win for the black cats would definitely help the team to get out of the relegation zone and prevent their campaign.

If talking about the recent results of both the sides, Chelsea have an upper hand just by a fraction as they have won 2 of their last 6 games. Furthermore, Sunderland have won just 1 of their last 6 games and have drawn 4.

Team News-

Both John Terry and Gary Cahill are close to full fitness and are expected to start, while Thibaut Courtois returns after serving his suspension.

Sam Allardyce has a fully fit squad at his disposal and he is expected to retain the starting line-up that helped them get a point at Stoke last weekend.

Lineup-

Sunderland-

Mannone

Yedlin, Kone, Kaboul, Aanholt

Kirchoff

Borini, Cattermole, M’Villa, Khazri

Defoe

Chelsea-

Courtois

Ivanovic; Cahill; Terry; Azpilicueta

Willian; Fabregas; Matic; Loftus-Cheek; Hazard

Diego Costa

Stats-

• Sunderland have lost nine of their last 11 home Premier League games against Chelsea (D2). They last beat the Blues in October 2000 at the Stadium of Light.

• Chelsea have won 19 and lost just two of their last 22 Premier League games against Sunderland.

• Sunderland have failed to score in their last three Premier League games at home.

• Cesc Fabregas has scored four Premier League goals against Sunderland, his joint-best haul against any opponent (along with Everton).

• Just three of Jermain Defoe’s 14 goals for the Black Cats in the Premier League this season have been scored at the Stadium of Light.

Tactics-

Defoe is obviously a danger man, and he loves to create a nuisance for the defenders. With Cattermole at his support, he can surely trouble the Chelsea’s back four alone.

Cattermole, on the other hand, has been exceptional for his team in the recent games, and will be looking to continue his form against the Blues as well. His pin-point passing, and his solo runs are phenomenal. Defoe has got pace, and Cattermole has got the vision to set up the ball. What more do you need.

Chelsea, on the other hand, will be looking to trouble Sunderland from the flanks as they have Willian and Hazard for the same. Diego Costa is a great finisher and if given the support from the wings, he is next to unstoppable.

Prediction-

As Chelsea will be looking to finish their campaign with maximum points possible, they will be giving a tough fight to Sam Allardyce. On the other hand, Sunderland will be looking to get out of the relegation zone and a win would surely help their case. It will be a tough game, but I believe that Chelsea will manage to get a comfortable victory.

3-1 Chelsea