When this fixture dropped on every group’s calendar in June, few on both facet may have imagined that come the ninth week of the Premier League season, Chelsea and Sunderland could be degree on factors. The Blues would absolutely have feared the worst, and but there isn’t a nice trigger for concern over the begin to the season at Stamford Bridge. As a substitute the story going into this recreation is how impressively their guests have tailored to life within the Premier League.
Sunderland have taken 14 factors from their first eight matches of this season, driving an impressive protection to wins over the likes of West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Wolves that will show to be completely crucial when the relegation locations are determined. That protection must do with out the spectacular Omar Alderete, who’s going by way of the league’s concussion protocols, however will likely be boosted a minimum of considerably by the return of Reinildo following a 3 match suspension. He represents the form of veteran expertise whose shrewd acquisition has made it simpler for Sunderland’s younger gamers to adapt to life within the Premier League.
Solely Chelsea are naming youthful XIs than the Black Cats and their dedication to youth was vindicated on Wednesday evening as three youngsters — Marc Guiu, Estevao and Tyrique George — netted in a complete 5-1 Champions League win over Ajax. A few of these may drop out of Enzo Maresca’s facet as they bid to make it three wins on the spin with the likes of Joao Pedro, Reece James and Pedro Neto in line to return the XI. Malo Gusto is the participant serving the inevitable one match ban for a purple card within the final recreation.
Viewing info
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 25 | Time: 10 a.m. ET
- Location: Stamford Bridge — London
- Reside stream: Peacock
- Odds: Chelsea -250; Draw +360; Sunderland +650
Doable lineups
Chelsea XI: Robert Sanchez; Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella; Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo; Estevao, Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto; Joao Pedro
Sunderland XI: Robin Roefs; Trai Hume, Nordi Mukiele, Daniel Ballard, Reinildo; Chris Rigg, Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki; Betrand Traore, Wilson Isidor, Enzo Le Payment
Prediction
Sunderland’s protection isn’t going to make life simple for a Chelsea facet who hardly overwhelm their opposition with attacking risk. Nonetheless you’d again the Blues to finally get the job accomplished. PICK: Chelsea 1, Sunderland 0
