Sunderland vs Chelsea Preview: Goal shy Black Cats get a 'Cech'

In line for a starting role

The Stadium of Light will play host to another episode of Chelsea‘s escapades under Andres Villas-Boas, as the Blues look to win their first away game of the season. Sunderland who only picked up one point from the first trio of games will be buoyed by their reinforcer Nicklas Bendtner, on loan from Arsenal.

Past Encounters

Chelsea have almost won everything they’ve played against Sunderland, but a huge trouncing last year in London by Sunderland started a massive slump for Chelsea,who were reeling after that game in the winter.

The depth of the Chelsea squad was tested in that game where Kalou, McEachran and Kakuta were all that the Blues could manage to bring on to salvage victory. Chelsea had lost major ground in the title race when these two teams met in February this year,where they gained some revenge beating them 2-4 at Stadium of Light.

18 Aug 2009 Sunderland 1-3 Chelsea Scorers : Bent,Lampard (P),Ballack,Deco

14 Nov 2010 Chelsea 0-3 Sunderland Scorers : Onuoha,Gyan,Welbeck

01 Feb 2011 Sunderland 2-4 Chelsea Scorers : Bardsley,Lampard,Kalou,Richardson,Terry,Anelka

Team News

Sunderland are without Asamoah Gyan (hamstring) and John O’Shea (calf) after the international fixtures along with long time absentees David Meyler and Frazier Campbell.With Korean Dong Wong-Ji and youngster Connor Wickham not deemed ready for the travails of the EPL by Steve Bruce,Nicklas Bendtner could feature along with conceptional striker Stephane Sessengnon.

Home boy Jack Colback will be providing stability in central midfield with partner in crime Lee Cattermole,with Seb Larsson and El-Mohammady providing width.

The loss of O’Shea means Wes Brown will be partnered by notorious Titus Bramble or Michael Turner in central defence. Adapted left back Kieran Richardson will have his hands full against Jose Bosingwa and the creative Juan Mata.

Players’ Corner

Talented Swede Sebastien Larsson snubbed Arsenal to join Sunderland and announced his arrival with a crisp volley at Anfield on Opening day,Sunderland’s only goal this season.

Speaking to the Black Cats bulletin,Larsson was excited to partner up with Nicklas Bendtner. “Wherever I go, Nicklas seems to turn up!” he joked. “It’s nice to see him here – he’s a good lad and a good friend of mine”.

“As a winger quality strikers are great to see. He will get on the end of my crosses – he’s a massive guy who is great in the air but he likes the ball to his feet as well“

Chelsea will travel with Petr Cech and David Luiz in their squad,the later yet to play under Villas-Boas. Lampard who started in midweek at Wembley will be partnered by newbie Meireles or Mikel in midfield.

Drogba will not partner under-fire Torres as he is out for 2-3 weeks but Daniel Sturridge is a welcome addition to attacking endeavours after serving a ban.

Chelsea’s 4-3-3 has had mixed results in the Premier League as teams have sat back and defended deep to thwart it. New additions Mata and Meireles will suit the new system with Mata’s arrival suitable for Torres to play his best role. Meireles had a very successful spell at Liverpool but will take time to adapt to Chelsea’s midfield.

Fact File

Jose Bosingwa has revived his career under AVB and the stats prove it.He completed more passes than anyone else v Norwich and 29 in the attacking third of the field.Package that with his goal Bosingwa’s live-wire nature has benefited Chelsea.

Chelsea have not kept a clean sheet in last four fixtures vs Sunderland.

Fernando Torres has made 13 successful dribbles, the most for any player in England.