Chelsea are looking more and more like the only team that could catch Liverpool and deny them their first league title in 24 years. The Blues enter Saturday’s match against Sunderland two points behind the Reds, with a trip to Anfield looming on the schedule. If Jose Mourinho’s side can continue to take care of business and then knock out Liverpool, they could be celebrating a title in London.
Chelsea vs. Sunderland: Preview, TV schedule and how to watch online
Chelsea can keep pressure on Liverpool with a win over Sunderland, here’s all the team news and how you can see the match.
Michael Steele
Eden Hazard remains out for the Blues as he tries to recover in time for their Champions League match on Tuesday. The remainder of the roster is available, though Mourinho will likely want to make a couple changes to keep players fresh during this busy stretch. Demba Ba’s resurgence in form points to him earning another start, though Samuel Eto’o is also a possiblity.
Despite their surprising draw against Manchester City during the mid-week, draws aren’t enough of Sunderland if they hope to make a great escape. They are still six points back of Norwich City, though they do still have a game in hand. Guy Poyet’s team should at least have some confidence after drawing City, but one has to wonder if the short week, combined with several injuries could take a toll on the club.
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Eden Hazard (calf)
Sunderland injuries and suspensions
Out: Phil Bardsley (suspended), Ki Sung-Yueng (knee), Steven Fletcher (ankle), Keiren Westwood (shoulder). In Doubt: Carlos Cuellar (muscle).
Eden Hazard's calf continues to keep him sidelined, but he is Chelsea's only injury issue. Sunderland are dealing with several injuries, but Carlos Cuellar could return if he can pass a fitness test ahead of the match. Phil Bardsley continues to serve a suspension.
Projected lineups
Chelsea: Petr Cech, Cesar Azpilicueta, John Terry, Gary Cahill, Branislav Ivanović, Nemanja Matić, Ramires, Andre Schürrle, Willian, Mohamed Salah, Demba Ba
Sunderland: Vito Mannone, Marcos Alonso, Wes Brown, John O'Shea, Vergini, Jack Colback, Lee Cattermole, Fabio Borini, Sebastian Larsson, Adam Johnson, Connor Wickham
Match Date/Time: 5:30 p.m. local, 12:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London, England
TV: NBC (U.S.), Sky Sports 1 (U.K.), TSN (Canada)
Online: NBC Live Extra (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.), TSN Go (Canada)
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