Sunderland – Chelsea

Sunderland host Chelsea at the Stadium of Light with the Black Cats languishing in 20th place, having amassed just four points from one win, one draw and five defeats while conceding 14 goals. Chelsea arrive in the north as the league’s fourth‑placed side, sitting on 13 points after four victories, a draw and two losses and a modest +4 goal difference. The stark contrast in form suggests a daunting challenge for Sunderland, who will need to tighten a defence that has let in more than twice as many goals as they have scored. For the Blues, the trip offers a chance to extend their push for a top‑three finish by capitalising on a struggling opponent that has yet to register a win away from home this season.