Supercomputer predicts result of Chelsea vs Sunderland
Sunderland are defying all pre-season expectations in the Premier League this season.
Sunderland's 2-0 win over Wolves on 18 October has propelled them into seventh place, with their points total of 14 marking a hugely impressive start to the season.
Regis Le Bris has done an excellent job for Sunderland, who are now expected to achieve Premier League survival thanks to their wins over several relegation rivals.
Sunderland's next match will be their toughest yet as they face a trip to Stamford Bridge to take on in-form Chelsea on Saturday.
Chelsea predicted as heavy favourites to beat Sunderland
Chelsea come into the match having secured back-to-back wins against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.
According to Opta's supercomputer, Chelsea are seen as overwhelming favourites to leapfrog Sunderland and continue their good run of form.
- Chelsea have been given a 71.8 per cent chance of claiming all three points
- Sunderland have a 12 per cent chance of securing their second away win of the season
- A draw has been given a 16.2 per cent probability of occurring
The Black Cats have excelled in the matches they are supposed to win, yet Saturday's match will be a completely different test.
Sunderland's 2-0 loss to Man United on 4 October has shown that there is still a huge gap between them and the elite sides in the division, as expected.
Le Bris will have to set up his Sunderland team perfectly if they are to get a shock win at Stamford Bridge, and this could all come down to one moment of brilliance.
With Sunderland likely to surrender a lot of possession against Chelsea, Chemsdine Talbi's inclusion in the starting line-up could prove to be what's needed.
Chemsdine Talbi could have a huge impact on the left wing against Chelsea
Talbi was fantastic against Wolves, coming on for Bertrand Traore in the 63rd minute.
Talbi carried the ball forward brilliantly in the build-up to the second goal, before his pass aimed for Eliezer Mayenda was cut out by Ladislav Krejci, who inadvertently knocked the ball into his own net.
Traore and Simon Adingra are yet to seize their chances when starting on the left, and this new role for Talbi in the Sunderland team could be exactly what suits him, as he's allowed to drive inside.
Saturday's match will be an incredibly tough one, yet Talbi has the quality and potential to produce something special out of nowhere, and that's exactly what the Black Cats might need against Chelsea.
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