Verdict: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Turning their attention back to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon, Chelsea will welcome Sunderland to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea

Starting with the hosts, while Chelsea might have failed to find any real fluidity when opening up the new campaign, Enzo Maresca’s men have come roaring back in an eye-catching fashion. Last seen earlier in the week putting in a dominant European display as they stormed their way to a 5-1 romp at home against Dutch giants Ajax, the former Leicester boss has seen his squad win all of their previous four consecutive appearances across all competitions. Marking their return from October’s international break with a 3-0 victory away at Nottingham Forest, the Blues will be looking to extend on their recent purple patch here. With their stellar flurry underlined by a last-gasp 2-1 win against defending English champions Liverpool on October 4th, Maresca’s side have also found a real clinical edge in the final third.

Chelsea Team News

Yet to feature over the past month and still dealing with a groin issue, Chelsea will once again be without attacking talisman Cole Palmer here. Likewise, ahead Saturday’s showdown, the Blues will also be unable to call upon the likes of Levi Colwill and summer recruit Liam Delap.

After serving a Champions League suspension against Ajax in midweek, former Brighton star Joao Pedro will return to Maresca’s side in west London. Handed a full rest at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, Robert Sanchez will return between the sticks.

Sunderland

As for the visitors, while Sunderland might have only made their famous Premier League return this season, the Black Cats have rightfully received a string of plaudits from across England’s elite. With the mood around the Stadium of Light at a red-hot high, Regis Le Bris’ camp should be excited by a trip to west London this weekend. Last seen making an immediate return to winning ways as they marked their return from October’s international break with a 2-0 victory at home against Wolves, Sunderland have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous six consecutive Premier League appearances – a run that stems back to August 23rd. Getting Saturday’s showdown underway remarkably sat within touching distance of the Champions League spots, Le Bris’ men will be confident of asking some serious questions in the capital.

Sunderland Team News

After missing the last three Premier League outings through suspension, summer recruit Reinildo Mandava will return to Sunderland’s squad here. However, still dealing with a recent groin issue, Le Bris’ men are expected to be without Senegal international Habib Diarra this weekend.

Making an immediate impact after completing a shock switch from Bayer Leverkusen, ex-Arsenal skipper Graint Xhaka will start in the middle of the park. Skipper Luke O’Nein could make his first Premier League appearance of the season at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea vs Sunderland Key Factors to Consider

• When Chelsea and Sunderland last met back in May 2017, the Blues collected a thumping 5-1 victory at Stamford Bridge.
• Chelsea have won all of their previous four appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 11-2.
• Sunderland have suffered just a single defeat from their previous six Premier League appearances.
• The Blues have suffered just a single domestic defeat at Stamford Bridge so far this calendar year.
• Sunderland have recorded just a single Premier League strike away from the Stadium of Light this season.

Conclusion

Putting in an empathic Champions League performance earlier in the week as they cruised their way to a 5-1 romp against Ajax, Chelsea will be desperately seeking a repeat display here. Winning all of their last four appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 11-2, Saturday’s hosts will know the importance of avoiding what could be a potential banana skin in west London. Although Sunderland might have rightfully received a string of praise since making their Premier League return this season, we are backing a home victory at Stamford Bridge.

Verdict: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Dachbet