Sunderland vs Chelsea – Match preview and team news

Sunderland is set to host Chelsea in their next Premier League encounter on Sunday at the Stadium of Light as they look to climb up the league table. Sunderland vs Chelsea – Match preview and team news Date: Sunday, 8th November. Kick-off: 3pm BST. Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland. Sunderland team news Sunderland boss Régis Le Bris will have to reshuffle his backline for the visit of Chelsea, as centre-back Omar Alderete serves a one-match suspension following his red card against Coventry City last weekend. The Black Cats also suffered a fresh blow in training with midfielder Habib Diarra ruled out for roughly six weeks due to a muscle injury, joining defender Dan Ballard (hamstring) and winger Romaine Mundle (knee/ACL) on the sidelines. However, Nordi Mukiele has cleared concussion protocols and is expected to slot straight back into central defense. After rotating heavily during Thursday’s Europa League defeat to Dinamo Zagreb, Le Bris will recall several well-rested key starters, including Enzo Le Fée, Brian Brobbey, Noah Sadiki, and Reinildo. Sunderland are projected to start with Roefs in goal behind Hume, Mukiele, O’Nien, and Reinildo, anchored by Xhaka and Sadiki, with Rigg, Le Fée, and Angulo supporting striker Brobbey. Chelsea team news Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso faces several key fitness decisions ahead of Sunday’s trip to the Stadium of Light. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has returned to training wearing a protective mask following jaw surgery, leaving a game-day decision on whether he starts or Mike Penders retains his place. Midfielder Moisés Caicedo is also a late fitness check due to lower-leg discomfort sustained during last weekend’s win over Manchester United. Meanwhile, striker João Pedro (thigh) and defender Maxence Lacroix (hamstring) remain sidelined until after the international break, joining long-term absentees Reece James (knee), Jorrel Hato, and Jamie Gittens (ankle) on the injury list. In positive news, defender Aarón Anselmino has resumed full training, and former Sunderland academy graduate Jordan Henderson has recovered from illness, putting him in strong contention to start in midfield if Caicedo is unavailable. Form Sunderland Sunderland sit rock-bottom of the Premier League with just five points, enduring a miserable run of form under mounting pressure on manager Régis Le Bris. The Black Cats are winless in eight consecutive league matches since August, taking only two points from their last seven outings. Following a 3–1 league defeat at Coventry City and a 2–0 home Europa League loss to Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday, Sunderland remain goalless in three straight home games. Chelsea Chelsea enter Sunday’s clash sitting fourth in the Premier League after winning three of their last four top-flight matches. Under manager Xabi Alonso, the Blues bounced back from recent defeats against Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool by securing a commanding 2–0 home victory over Manchester United last weekend, courtesy of goals from Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer. While Chelsea boast one of the league’s deadliest attacks with 19 goals, their away form remains mixed. Predicted lineups Sunderland: Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, O’Nien, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Rigg, Le Fee, Angulo; Brobbey Chelsea: Penders; Acheampong, Fofana, Colwill, Palestra; Henderson, Lavia; Estevao, Palmer, Rogers; Neto How to watch Sunderland vs Chelsea? In the UK, Sunderland vs. Chelsea will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR (UHD1). Read Also – Premier League Predictions Today – Tips & Stats See More – LaLiga Predictions Today – Expert Tips & Stats Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube