Premier League preview and odds: Chelsea vs Sunderland

Published on: 16/12/2015

Premier League preview and odds: Chelsea vs Sunderland

December 19, 2015 15:00pm - Stamford Bridge

Premier League

Reigning champions Chelsea will be looking break free from the relegation tractor beam on Saturday when they face 19th-ranked Sunderland at Stamford Bridge in the Barclays Premier League.

Mourinho sacked after Leicester defeat

What started as a slump has turned into a full-blown crisis for Chelsea as the reality of their involvement in a relegation scrap finally starts to sink in. Jose Mourinho was sacked on Thursday after admitting that a top-four finish was out of the question. The club will now look to appoint a coach who can save the team from the ultimate disaster of demotion to the Championship.

After the defeat to Leicester City last weekend, the beleagured Blues boss pulled no punches as he laid the blame for his teams predicament squarely at the feet of the players - accusing them of betraying his work. With tensions already running so high in the Stamford Bridge dressing room, those harsh words may have finally sealed his fate. How the players will react to his dismissal remains to be seen.

Russian owner Roman Abramovich was initially reluctant to relieve the 52-year-old of his duties, but it appears that his patience finally ran out.

Sunderland still in the mire

Sunderland cannot seem to drag themselves out of the relegation mire despite the best efforts of new boss Sam Allardyce. The veteran boss has led the northeast club to three wins and five defeats since replacing Dick Advocaat back in October. But with other clubs also improving, the Black Cats remain in 19th position with only a desperate Aston Villa side below them.

The Mackems come into this game on the back of a 0-1 reverse on home soil to Premier League new boys Watford last Saturday, which marked the second defeat in a row for the Teeside club.

Team news

With Eden Hazard and Radamel Falcao both expected to be fit, Chelsea should have a full strength side to choose from.

Meanwhile, Sunderland could welcome back Younes Kaboul and Lee Cattermole but will remain without Seb Larsson.

Recent form (League)

Chelsea: LLDWL

Sunderland: LLWWL

Betting odds and tips

With Chelsea in such disarray, the 11/1 available for the away win from Betvictor is rather tempting. However, Sunderland have won just one of their last eight away games in the Premier League. And with both sides likely to park their respective buses, a draw is the more realistic prospect in this game. The stalemate can be backed at 4/1 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 16/12/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (16/12/2015 20:18:46) but are subject to change.