Chelsea V Sunderland Preview

Chelsea welcome struggling Sunderland to Stamford Bridge on Saturday as they look to close the gap at the top of the table by collecting three more Premiership points. Chelsea enter the match after securing a 1-0 victory against a resilient West Ham

   Chelsea welcome struggling Sunderland to Stamford Bridge on Saturday as they look to close the gap at the top of the table by collecting three more Premiership points.

Chelsea enter the match after securing a 1-0 victory against a resilient West Ham side thanks to a late goal from Joe Cole, who ironically had once captained the opposition side.

Under manager Avrim Grant Chelsea have only tasted defeat in the Premiership once which was during his first game in charge against Champions Manchester United. In the eight Premiership games since that fixture, Chelsea have won six and drawn two of the matches. The victories include a superb 6-0 demolition of fourth placed Manchester City. There's no doubt that the Blues have looked much more attacking than under the previous manager Jose Mourinho.

They have a mini injury crisis of sorts with the defence, with Portuguese duo Paulo Ferreria and Ricardo Cavalho both unavailable until the new year. Left back Ashley Cole is still struggling to overcome his injury, but he may be deemed fit for this match. First choice goalkeeper Petr Cech is also still unavailable, so deputy Carlo Cudicini will keep his place in the side.

Sunderland currently occupy fifteenth position in the league, only two points ahead of Middlesbrough who are in eighteenth place, in the relegation zone.

On Saturday Sunderland finally recorded a victory in the Premiership, which was their first in eight attempts. The victory over bottom placed Derby County came via a stoppage time goal by substitute striker Antony Stokes. Before the match against Derby, their last win was a home victory over Reading, on September 15th.

Manager Roy Keane has showed that he is not afraid to axe his players if they are not performing. Following their humiliating 7-1 defeat at Everton, Craig Gordon, who is the most expensive goalkeeper in British history found him self dropped from the first team in place of Darren Ward.
Striker Michael Chopra, a five million pound summer capture from Cardiff has also struggled to maintain his place in the side.

On Saturday Keane opted to start the game with Kenwyne Jones and veteran striker Andrew Cole up front, should he opt to play two strikers again, this duo may get the nod, although Stokes' late winner may give Roy Keane a selection headache.

If Chelsea can win this match, they could move up to second place depending on how Manchester United fare this weekend. Sunderland could be leapfrogged by Tottenham, Bolton and Middlesbrough this weekend if they loose and could find themselves in the relegation zone.

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This article is written by Jonathan Walker of Chelsea V Sunderland Live