These sides have met their season’s objectives, which should transform Stamford Bridge into something of a celebration. Dick Advocaat’s achievement in retaining Sunderland’s top flight status should be lauded. José Mourinho, the manager of the season, would have preferred to have hoisted the silverware after the victory over Crystal Palace earlier this month but will still savour the moment as he flings more youngsters into the fray to gain experience. He pinpointed the 5-3 defeat at Tottenham on New Year’s Day as psychologically important for his team. They have not looked back since.
Kick-off Sunday 3pm
Venue Stamford Bridge
Last season Chelsea 1 Sunderland 2
Live Sky One
Referee L Mason
This season G24, Y68, R5, 3.04 cards per game
Odds H 4-11 A 11-1 D 9-2
Chelsea
Subs from Blackman, Courtois, Aké, Filipe Luís, Christensen, Mikel, Solanke, Brown, Boga, Cuadrado, Drogba
Doubtful Cech (calf), Drogba (calf), Hazard (dental)
Injured Oscar (thigh), Ramires (kidney), Zouma (knee, all Aug)
Suspended Fàbregas (one match)
Form WDWWDL
Discipline Y72 R4
Leading scorer Costa 19
Sunderland
Subs from Pickford, Réveillère, Agnew, Vergini, Johnson, Giaccherini, Buckley, Graham, Watmore, Robson, Honeyman
Doubtful Graham (ankle)
Injured Bridcutt (knee), Brown (knee), Gómez (knee), Pantilimon (knee, all Aug)
Suspended None
Form LDWWDD
Discipline Y94 R2
Leading scorer Wickham 5
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