Chelsea vs Sunderland in Premier League
-Chelsea welcome an impressive Sunderland side to Stamford Bridge this afternoon, looking to extend their winning run, across all competitions, to five games and move into the top four in the Premier League standings. But this first meeting with the Black Cats since 2017 may not go all their own way.
Sunderland have picked up 14 points from their opening eight games since promotion, which represents their best start to a top-flight season since the 1999-00 campaign, with Regis Le Bris's side already proving they can mix it with the best in the country. However, they have lost 21 of their last 26 league games against Chelsea.
Joao Pedro is back after suspension, though Malo Gusto is the latest Blues player to be handed a ban. Reinildo Mandava is available for Sunderland after a suspension of his own, and Omar Alderete is out due to concussion protocols. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Sam Tabuteau at Stamford Bridge.
Early Sunderland team news
As for Sunderland, they also have a number of players out for this one. Big-money signing Habib Diarra is sidelined until December, while Leo Hjelde is also ruled out with an Achilles issue.
Winger Romaine Mundle and left-back Dennis Cirkin are also not expected to be involved with thigh and wrist injuries respectively, while Aji Alese is also out with an injured shoulder.
There is a boost, however, for Le Bris, with former Atletico Madrid defender Reinildo back from suspension after his red card against Aston Villa, where he kicked out at Matty Cash.
Early Chelsea team news
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca can make wholesale changes to his team this afternoon.
Maresca made 10 changes against Ajax from the side that beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 last weekend, with only midfielder Romeo Lavia retaining his place in the starting lineup.
It is likely that Joao Pedro will return to the lineup against Sunderland after serving a Champions League suspension against Ajax, but he could operate in the No10 role behind Marc Guiu, who scored his first Champions League goal against Ajax.
The teenager spent the first 26 days of this season on loan with Sunderland but was recalled early by Chelsea on August 31 due to a shortage of strikers following Delap’s injury and the exits of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson. He could face his former team at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca may look to rest Lavia against Sunderland by starting the fit-again Enzo Fernandez next to Moises Caicedo in midfield. Malo Gusto was shown a second yellow card late on at Forest so must serve a one-match suspension.
Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Good afternoon and welcome to the London Standard’s LIVE coverage of the Premier League clash between Chelsea and Sunderland.
It is a first clash between these two teams since 2017, with the Blues looking to maintain a fine record against the Black Cats after 21 wins in 26 games.
But Sunderland have started the season impressively, and will surely be no pushovers today.
We have Sam Tabuteau at Stamford Bridge this afternoon, with kick-off at 3pm. Stick with us.