The Big Preview - Chelsea vs. Sunderland

Article by e-Chelsea Correspondent Robert Wake

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Stamford Bridge

Saturday 19 April 2014

History

Chelsea have an excellent record against the Wearsiders winning 17 of our last 19 encounters against the men from the north-east. One of the visitor’s victories came in the Capital One Cup quarter-final at The Stadium of Light in December when they recorded a 2-1 win after extra-time thanks to late winner from Ki Sung-Yeung. Sunderland’s last win at The Bridge came in November 2010 when they shocked the hosts by winning 3-0 with goals from Asamoah Gyan, Nedum Onuoha and Danny Welbeck. Chelsea won the reverse league fixture in December in a thrilling 4-3 win, with Eden Hazard scoring twice and being almost unplayable throughout. Chelsea won the corresponding fixture 2-1 in April last season. Sunderland led at the break when Cesar Azpilicueta put through his own goal. Matt Kilgallon then did the same for the visitor’s early in the second half, before Branislav Ivanovic diverted David Luiz’s shot in for the winner. Chelsea has a good recent record against The Black Cats in the Premiership at Stamford Bridge, winning 9 of 11 meetings, scoring 38 goals in the process, including a 7-2 victory in 2009-10.

Current Form

Sunderland come into the game buoyed by Wednesday night’s draw at Manchester City, but that was only their second point from the last 8 matches. Prior to the draw at City, they had lost four in a row on their travels, including heavy defeats at Arsenal and Tottenham. Chelsea has suffered surprise defeats to both Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in recent weeks, but their home form has been exceptional. The Blues have won their last five at Stamford Bridge scoring 17 goals without reply. Indeed, The Blues defence has not been breached for over 13 hours at Stamford Bridge since Javier Hernandez scored a consolation for Manchester United on 19 January.

Team News

Phil Bardsley is suspended for the visitor’s, who will also be without Ki and Steven Fletcher. Connor Wickham may continue up front following his brace against Manchester City, while Santiago Vergini may deputise for Bardsley at right-back. Chelsea are likely to be without Hazard, while Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah are both likely to feature as they are unavailable for the Champions League fixture in Madrid on Tuesday.

Prediction

Predicting the outcome of matches at the business end of the season is rarely easy, particularly when teams are fighting for survival or contesting the title as is the case here. Despite this, it is also true that these teams are at opposite ends of the Premiership table due to their performances over the course of the season, and Chelsea’s greater quality should overcome a stubborn Sunderland outfit on Saturday.

Chelsea 2-0 Sunderland

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