It’s been smooth sailing thus far for Chelsea, who haven’t dropped points in the Premier League to anyone besides the league’s elite. Based on their record thus far, they’re favorites to record yet another win against Sunderland on Saturday.
Sunderland vs. Chelsea live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch the EPL online
The Blues have yet to experience a Champions League hangover or drop points against a minnow.
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But even though they’re yet to slip up in a game they should have won, the Blues have had some close calls recently. Queens Park Rangers were level with them deep into the second half, while Crystal Palace grabbed a 90th minute goal to make stoppage time interesting a couple of matches ago.
Sunderland have done well enough this year that they sit above the drop zone, in 14th, and they’ve had mixed results against the big sides. They own draws against Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton, but they were the victims of the blowout of the season against Southampton and were shut out in a loss to Arsenal a week later.
Key player - Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Even when he’s not picking up goals and assists, the Chelsea attack still runs through Hazard. He’s been responsible for more than the five goals he’s in the box score for, and that’ll probably be the case again if Chelsea come away with a win.
Key matchup - Costel Pantilimon vs. the Chelsea attack
Things have gone a bit better for Sunderland since the benching of Vito Mannone, who turned in one of the Premier League's all-time worst goalkeeping performances in an 8-0 loss to Southampton, then followed it up by losing 2-0 to former club Arsenal. Pantilimon is going to face an unfair barrage of shots, and Sunderland will need him to make a handful of spectacular saves to have a chance at points.
Sunderland injuries and suspensions
Out: Patrick van Aanholt (shoulder), Billy Jones (hamstring), Emmanuele Giaccherini (ankle). In doubt: Ricky Alvarez (knee), Sebastian Coates (calf)
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Nathan Ake (hamstring). In doubt: Diego Costa (knock)
The Blues have a very clean bill of health for this time of year. Diego Costa was substituted as a precaution in Champions League, but he should be ready to go for this game. Ricky Alvarez and Sebastian Coates have been out for a while for Sunderland, but just returned to training recently and could play.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 5:30 p.m. local, 12:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland, England
TV: NBC (U.S.), Sportsnet One (Canada), Sky Sports 1 (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. - English), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
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