Sunderland vs Chelsea: Premier League match preview

A look ahead to this weekend’s game at the Stadium of Light

Diego Costa is congratulated by Gary Cahill after opening the scoring for Chelsea (Getty Images)

Chelsea will look to build on an impressive midweek display in the Champions League with another win against Sunderland this Saturday.

The Blues, who are unbeaten after 19 games this season, trashed Schalke this week by beating them 5-0 in the Champions League where they have easily progressed into the knock-out stage.

Mourinho’s side, who comfortably sit top of the table, six points clear ahead of Southampton, have looked unbeatable so far. The Portuguese said the team might be the strongest side he has ever worked with speaking of a ‘perfect’ and ‘amazing’ Chelsea after the win in Germany.

Despite The Blues' successful record this season so far, the team will be aware of the danger the Black Cats pose. In their three League meetings last year Sunderland were able to secure two wins; Chelsea were knocked out by Sunderland in the Capital One cup and saw their side lose 2-1 at Stamford Bridge in April, ending Mourinho's long unbeaten home record.

Premier League top-scorer Diego Costa is fit to play in Saturday’s game while Dutch defender Nathan Ake remains out with a hamstring injury.

Sunderland’s Ricky Alvarez could make his return in Saturday’s game. The midfielder has been sidelined since September when he picked up a knee injury.

KICK-OFF: 5.30pm

PAST MEETINGS...

Chelsea 1 (Eto’o) – 2 Sunderland (Wickham, Borini) PL Sat 19 Apr 2014

Sunderland 2 (Borini, Sung-Yong) – 1 Chelsea (Lampard) Capital One Tue 17 Dec 2013

Sunderland 3 (Altidore, O’shea, Bardsley) – 4 Chelsea (Lampard, Hazard 36, 62, Bardsley og) PL Wed 04 Dec 2013

STATS...

Chelsea are unbeaten in their 10 last Premier League games at the Stadium of Light

Chelsea are unbeaten in 19 games this season

Sunderland have only scored one more goal (12) than Chelsea striker Diego Costa (11) alone

ODDS...

Sunderland to win 9.8

Draw 5.2

Chelsea to win 1.41

TV: Skysports1