Fresh from a commanding 5-1 Champions League victory in midweek, Chelsea return to Premier League action on a high as they welcome newly-promoted Sunderland to Stamford Bridge.

Enzo Maresca’s side are looking to extend their impressive winning streak to five consecutive victories in all competitions, while the visitors aim to prove their strong start to life back in the top flight is no fluke.

Match News and Current Form

Chelsea couldn’t have produced a more emphatic display on Wednesday night as they dismantled Ajax at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues capitalised on an early red card to run riot, becoming the first team in Champions League history to see three teenagers score in a single match.

That result capped off a superb run of form, with four straight wins in all competitions, two of which came in the Premier League, leaving Maresca’s men firmly in the chasing pack near the top of the table.

Despite an ongoing defensive injury crisis, Chelsea’s attacking unit continues to deliver in style.

They’ve scored 16 league goals so far, a tally bettered only by Manchester City, showcasing the creative depth Maresca has instilled.

Their home form also remains one of the most reliable in England’s top flight, making them clear favourites heading into this clash.

Sunderland, meanwhile, have adapted impressively since their return to the Premier League.

Manager Régis Le Bris has guided the Black Cats to their best top-flight start since the 1999/2000 season, and their response to adversity has been equally commendable.

After a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United threatened to halt their progress, they bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Wolves, maintaining their pre-round position inside the top seven.

However, Le Bris’ side still have questions to answer on the road.

The Black Cats have won just one of their last seven away league matches, scoring only twice across that stretch, a worrying trend as they prepare to face one of the Premier League’s most potent home teams.

Head-to-Head History

Chelsea have dominated this fixture in the Premier League era.

After Sunderland won four of the first six top-flight meetings between the sides (L2), the balance has shifted heavily towards the Blues, who have since won 21 of the last 26 encounters (D2, L3).

Stamford Bridge has not been a happy hunting ground for the visitors, and history certainly doesn’t favour an upset here.

Hot Stats and Streaks

• Only Manchester City (34) have collected more home league points in 2025 than Chelsea (33).
• The Blues have scored a joint-league high eight goals from set pieces this season (excluding penalties).
• Sunderland are unbeaten in their last 13 away league games against London sides (W4, D9).
• Just two of Sunderland’s eight Premier League matches this season have seen both teams score, the lowest joint total in the league.

Key Players to Watch

For Chelsea, Moisés Caicedo has proven to be a quiet catalyst in midfield.

The Ecuadorian’s scoring record carries real weight, all seven of his goals for Chelsea have come in games they avoided defeat (W5, D2), including four such matches this season (W3, D1).

Sunderland will look to Nordi Mukiele, who opened his account for the club in their last outing.

Notably, six of his last nine career goals have been scored away from home, suggesting he could again be a threat on the counter at Stamford Bridge.

Team News

Chelsea remain without several key players, most notably Cole Palmer, while Malo Gusto serves a one-match suspension following his red card last weekend.

Defensive absences continue to test Maresca’s depth, though the Blues have coped admirably in recent weeks.

Sunderland are boosted by the return of Reinildo Mandava, who is available again after serving a suspension. His inclusion will add much-needed stability to the visitors’ backline.

Potential Lineups

Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 – Sanchez; James, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Neto, Joao Pedro, Garnacho; Guiu

Sunderland: 4-3-3 – Roefs; Hume, Ballard, Masuaku, Mukiele; Rigg, Xhaka, Sadiki; Talbi, Isidor, Le Fee

Where to watch

United Kingdom: The game will not be shown Live in the UK

United States: Peacock

Canada: Fubo

India: JioHotstar

Australia: Stan Sport

Nigeria: SuperSports

Conclusion

Chelsea’s midweek demolition of Ajax underlined their growing momentum under Enzo Maresca.

With attacking confidence sky-high and home advantage on their side, the Blues will be heavily backed to make it five wins on the bounce.

Sunderland’s impressive start to the season deserves recognition, but a trip to Stamford Bridge represents their toughest test yet.

Unless they can rediscover their away scoring touch, the Black Cats may find themselves outclassed by a Chelsea side in full flow.

My score prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Sunderland.