Preview for Chelsea v Sunderland
Enzo Maresca has to weigh up whether or not to unleash his terrific youngsters on Sunderland tomorrow.
A youthful Chelsea aspect thrashed Ajax 5-1 within the Champions League in midweek with Marc Guiu, 19, Estevao Willian, 18 and Tyrique George, 19, all getting on the scoresheet.
The one-sided nature of the sport in opposition to the 10-man Amsterdammers additionally enabled Maresca to make 17-year-old Reggie Walsh the youngest participant to play for the membership in Europe’s elite membership competitors.
Talking at present, Maresca stated: “I stated after the [Ajax] sport it was a particular evening, particular for the membership and the followers with so many younger gamers.
“We’re full of fine, younger, gifted gamers and the principle factor for me is simply to attempt to assist them daily get higher and higher. It’s the one means to enhance the workforce in the event you can assist the gamers.”
A second sport in 4 days could also be asking an excessive amount of for gamers nonetheless growing and Maresca hinted he would choose a extra skilled XI in opposition to the Wearsiders.
He added: ”The steadiness for me is sort of simple by way of, we have now 24 or 25 good gamers however ultimately solely 11 can begin.
“Since I joined the membership, I confirmed that relying on the sport and plan, we’ll change gamers. I do know that after they don’t play they don’t seem to be joyful nevertheless it’s not about one, it’s about all of them. Additionally they know that they can’t play each sport.”
Sunderland have been the choose of the promoted golf equipment after clinching a spot within the top-flight by way of the play-offs final season and sit seventh within the desk.
Not lots of the workforce that beat Sheffield United have saved their locations this time period with the membership investing closely on Premier League-ready expertise over the summer time.
Effectively-organised and defensively sound, if a bit of blunt in assault, Regis Le Bris’ males will current a critical take a look at for the Blues tomorrow.
“I spent one season with Leicester within the Championship and I cherished the Championship,” stated Maresca. “Even when we play Premier League or Champions League, I at all times watch the Championship so I’ve watched Sunderland since final season when the brand new supervisor arrived.
“They’re doing superb, not simply from this season however final season as properly. They play good soccer. They’re fairly sturdy, bodily sturdy. I actually like the best way they’re doing issues.”
Staff Information for Chelsea v Sunderland
Maresca confirmed striker Liam Delap is again in coaching however he gained’t be rushed again for tomorrow. Which will give one other probability to Guiu who spent a brief spell on mortgage at Sunderland earlier within the season earlier than being recalled.
Malo Gusto is suspended.
Sunderland have suffered a significant blow with centre-half Omar Alderete dominated out resulting from concussion protocols. That would imply a right away return to the aspect for Reinildo, who has served a three-game ban following his dismissal in opposition to Aston Villa.
Lutsharel Geertruida may very well be most well-liked to Chris Rigg in midfield.
Predicted line-ups for Chelsea v Sunderland
Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo, Neto, Estevao, Santos; Pedro
Sunderland: Roefs; Hume, Ballard, Mukiele, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki, Geertruida, Le Price, Talbi; Isidor
How you can watch Chelsea v Sunderland: TV and on-line streams
Chelsea versus Sunderland kicks-off at 3pm tomorrow. It isn’t accessible to look at on TV or stream within the UK.
Stats for Chelsea v Sunderland
- Chelsea have gained their final three residence league video games in opposition to Sunderland by an combination rating of 11-3, most lately a 5-1 victory on the ultimate day of the 2016-17 marketing campaign
- Having gained 4 of their first six Premier League video games in opposition to Chelsea between 1996 and 2001 (L2), Sunderland have since gained simply three of their 26 in opposition to the Blues (D2 L21)
- Solely Manchester Metropolis (34) have earned extra residence factors within the Premier League in 2025 than Chelsea (33 – W10 D3 L1), with the Blues sole defeat at Stamford Bridge this calendar 12 months coming in opposition to Brighton final month