Chelsea v Sunderland – Early Team News & Stats

Chelsea face a tricky trip to the North East today when they take on Sunderland. The Blues may be unbeaten this season, but they have looked far from impressive in any of their three games.

Manager Andre Villas-Boas will be without striker Didier Drogba who is still recovering from the head injury he received against Norwich, but he looks like he will be the only absentee. Goalie Petr Cech is available, as is David Luiz and Daniel Sturridge has finished his three match ban and is line for a place in the starting XI. New signing Raul Meireles could also feature at some point today.

With the embarrassment of riches available to AVB nothing less than three points will do today, and Chelsea have a good record at the Stadium of Light. In their last seven visits there they have come away with six wins, and in the last 13 Premier League games between the two sides Chelsea have won 12.

The only loss was last season when they lost at Stamford Bridge 3-0, but we won’t dwell on that result too much. Chelsea have only kept one clean sheet, away to Stoke, in their last seven games and that is something that the management team will want to see improve.

Lets hope for another three points today and a much more convincing performance than we have seen so far this season. Come on you Blues!