Sunderland Match Preview

[James 5,344]

Tomorrow we play Sunderland at Stamford Bridge in the Premier league, it'll be our first game since the sacking of Mourinho. Here you can find team news, match facts and our Premier League betting predictions.

Match preview and all the Stats

]After Monday night's disappointment we must now lift his players to take all 3 points against Sunderland on Saturday. The game is a must win for the blues who have lost their previous two games. Chelsea sit in 16th just one point above the relegation zone, after 16 games played. In a frank post-match interview Mourinho gave before he was sacked he stopped short of singling players out for criticism, but insisted there are players not playing to the required level. On the plus side Chelsea remain in the Champions League but have been drawn against PSG for the 3rd season running.

No doubt on their day Chelsea are still capable of beating any team in this division, but there looks to be a lack of confidence throughout the side. Chelsea should still be confident of taking 3 points this weekend however, having turned Sunderland over 3-1 in this fixture last season. Chelsea may wish to make some changes after his sides below par performance. Loic Remy looked sharp when he came on and grabbed Chelseas consolation goal. Remy has looked sharp in his brief cameo appearances this season and looks eager to impress. Diego Costa could have no complaints if he lost his place in the starting line-up. He has struggled to recreate his best form this season, with only 3 goals to his name. Eden Hazard was substituted early in the first half against Leicester City. It is not yet known the extent of his injury but Chelsea are expected to name Pedro in his place. The tackle on Hazard didnt appear to be the strongest but Hazard was unable to carry on. Chelsea will be hoping last seasons PFA player of the year isnt side-lined for too long.

Sunderland are 19th in the Premier League and have also lost their last 2 games. Since the arrival of Sam Allardyce performances have generally improved, and they could have easily had more points in return for their efforts. Sunderland have proved to have weaknesses at both ends of the field having shipped 30 goals already this season, scoring only 17. Front pair Jermain Defoe and Steven Fletcher have 8 goals between them. Allardyce will need to squeeze more from them in their relegation dogfight. In midfield Yann MVila and Jeremain Lens have shown glimpses of their quality this season. They look to have adjusted to Sunderlands style of play, the midfield would benefit from a bit of bite in the absence of Cattermole however. Only Bournemouth and Newcastle have conceded more goals than Sunderland so it is important that the midfield offers more protection for their defence.

All the latest team News

Chelsea - Radamel Falcao (muscle) and Eden Hazard (knock) are both doubtful for the visit of Sam Allardyce's team. Chelsea may wish to hand a start to Loic Remy who impressed when coming on against Leicester City on Monday.

Sunderland - Younes Kaboul (illness) is a major doubt for the game at Stamford Bridge. Lee Cattermole will miss the game with a back injury and Seb Larsson is unavailable because of a knee injury.

]Betting Predictions

At Stamford Bridge the fans should be getting right the team. It is obvious that the team is struggling and they could make the difference on the day. Chelsea still win a majority of their games on home soil so should feel confident of getting a result on Saturday. I think they will have enough to overcome the Black Cats in a hard fought encounter. Sunderland are in a relegation battle themselves so will not be easily beatable.

Chelsea half time/full time result 4/5

Both teams to score 11/8

Correct Score Prediction

Chelsea 2 Sunderland 1 pays 10/1

Player to watch - Willian has been the player who has turned up week in and week out for Chelsea this season. He is trying his best to drag his team out of this tricky patch and his teammates need to replicate the Brazilians work ethic. He has also been pivotal to their Champions League progression from the group stages.

Goalscorer - I mentioned him before but I think if Loic Remy is given enough game time against Sunderland he could be on the scoresheet. His pace could cause some problems for the Sunderland backline and the France international has an eye for goal.

Article by Sam Turbitt of Sbat.com

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