Team News
Ashley Cole has a hamstring problem while Gary Cahill has a knee problem for Chelsea. Oriol Romeu is out for the season due to an ACL knee injury. Steven Fletcher has an ankle problem for Sunderland. David Vaughan could be back from a pelvis injury in time for this match. Carlos Cuellar has an ankle injury while Lee Cattermole has a knee injury.
Analysis
Martin O’Neill’s era has ended. Paolo Di Canio has seemingly won over the team already as the players like his hands-on approach in training. Despite his political remarks in the past, the Sunderland players seemingly have no problems with him. O’Neill’s departure has almost lifted the team. Chelsea meanwhile is barely holding on in the top four. A few more unnecessary losses might see them drop out. However, can a Sunderland side fighting for its life be able to defeat Chelsea?
Previous Meetings
Sunderland 1-3 Chelsea (8th December 2012)
Chelsea 1-0 Sunderland (14th January 2012)
Sunderland 1-2 Chelsea (10th September 2011)
Sunderland 2-4 Chelsea (1st February 2011)
Chelsea 0-3 Sunderland (14th November 2010)
Previous Matches
Chelsea 3-1 Rubin Kazan (4th April 2013)
Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United (1st April 2013)
Southampton 2-1 Chelsea (30th March 2013)
Chelsea 2-0 West Ham (17th March 2013)
Chelsea 3-1 Steaua Bucharest (14th March 2013)
Sunderland 0-1 Manchester United (30th March 2013)
Sunderland 1-1 Norwich (17th March 2013)
Queens Park Rangers 3-1 Sunderland (9th March 2013)
Sunderland 2-2 Fulham (2nd March 2013)
West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Sunderland (23rd February 2013).
Prediction
Chelsea 3-1 Sunderland
