Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris admits he’s super impressed by upcoming opponents Chelsea.
On Saturday afternoon, Chelsea host Sunderland at Stamford Bridge in an intriguing Premier League match.
After eight Premier League games, the two clubs are only separated by goal difference. It’s quite incredible when you consider the Blues finished fourth last season, while the Black Cats were playing in the Championship.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca made 10 changes to his team for Wednesday’s 5-1 win at home to Ajax in the Champions League, so let’s wait and see if he reverts to the side that won 3-0 away to Nottingham Forest last weekend.
Incidentally, Marc Guiu can play for Chelsea against Sunderland, even though he had a short loan at the Stadium of Light earlier in the season.
Chelsea's supporters with a banner during the Champions League match against Ajax at Stamford Bridge.
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Le Bris has delivered high praise on Chelsea as he prepares his team to face them.
The Sunderland manager said via the Sunderland Echo: “Chelsea are really strong, it’s a top four team in the Premier League. They can play 60 games, they have depth, young and dynamic. It’s a good example for us. They are well coached and have individuals who can win a game. A big test.”
In addition, Le Bris commented on a trip to Stamford Bridge, where he’s encountered decent atmospheres before. When discussing Chelsea’s home ground, the Sunderland manager added: “I’ve been there two or three times, good stadium, good atmosphere.”
When the Bridge is in full flow, it is capable of creating a special noise. For instance, Chelsea’s home support was rocking during the dramatic 2-1 Premier League win against rivals Liverpool before the international break.
On the flip side, it can be guilty of going a bit stale in matches against the lesser teams.
Even though Joe Cole wasn’t impressed with the Stamford Bridge atmosphere last season, there are signs that it is getting back
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris during the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Photo by Michael Driver/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Chelsea record at Stamford Bridge in the 2025-26 season
It feels imperative that Chelsea’s home form is strong this year if they want a successful campaign.
Competition Result
Premier League Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
Premier League Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
Premier League Chelsea 1-3 Brighton
Champions League Chelsea 1-0 Benfica
Premier League Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool
Champions League Chelsea 5-1 Ajax
As you can see above, the Blues have four wins, one draw, and one defeat from six matches at home across all competitions this season. The only time they lost was when Trevoh Chalobah’s red card cost them dearly against Brighton, too.
Fans will rightly expect to chalk up three points against newly-promoted Sunderland this weekend, but they can’t be taken lightly because of how well they’ve equipped themselves so far in the top flight.