Sunderland must do something they’ve not done in over 10 years vs Chelsea
Sunderland will look to continue their superb start to the season when they travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Nordi Mukiele netted and Ladislav Krejci scored an own goal as Sunderland beat Wolves 2-0 on Saturday, marking the Black Cats’ fourth Premier League win of the season.
It has been a dream return to England’s top flight for Regis Le Bris‘ men, who currently sit just two points behind second-place Manchester City.
Chemsdine Talbi impressed against Wolves, after the winger had been brought off the bench to replace Bertrand Traore.
Chelsea are huge favourites against Sunderland, but Le Bris’ side will be confident for what will likely be their toughest test of the season so far.
Sunderland set for Stamford Bridge return
Sunderland would make Premier League history if they continue their current form, with the Black Cats currently earning 1.75 points per game.
That rate would see them earn around 67 points at the end of the season, beating the record for a newly promoted team in the Premier League, currently held by Ipswich Town.
| Sunderland – next five | Date |
| Chelsea (A) | 25 Oct |
| Everton (H) | 3 Nov |
| Arsenal (H) | 8 Nov |
| Fulham (A) | 22 Nov |
| Bournemouth (H) | 29 Nov |
But it would be fair to say that Sunderland have benefited from a slightly more favourable run of fixtures so far.
Six of Le Bris’ side’s opponents are in the Premier League’s bottom half, with the Black Cats playing against each of the four sides who currently occupy the bottom four.
Chelsea will provide a stronger test, however, with Enzo Maresca’s side sitting fifth in the table, having also won four of their opening eight games.
Sunderland have not played at Stamford Bridge since 2017, when they lost 5-1 in the final Premier League game of the season that confirmed relegation to the Championship.
But the last time the Black Cats won at the home of Chelsea was in 2014, when goals from Conor Wickham and Fabio Borini marked a famous win in London.
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When Sunderland travelled to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in 2014, they sat bottom of the Premier League, while title-chasing Chelsea were just two points behind Liverpool.
Samuel Eto’o’s goal would be cancelled out by Wickham, before Jozy Altidore was brought down inside the box in the final ten minutes.
Borini, on loan from Liverpool, stepped up to score and end a 78-game streak without a home defeat for Jose Mourinho.
The circumstances are quite different this time around, but Sunderland will hope to channel what their former team did.
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