Sunderland vs Chelsea Preview, Hazard Ruled Out, Line-Ups, Betting & Prediction

Chelsea will be looking to cement their position at the top of the Premier League table with a win when they take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light this evening.

The Blues reclaimed top spot from Arsenal thanks to a 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion on Sunday with Diego Costa scoring a superb 75th minute winner to move Chelsea three points clear.

Antonio Conte’s men can now widen that advantage to six points if they can extend their winning tonight after the Gunners slumped to a 2-1 defeat at Everton on Tuesday night.

The west Londoners would normally be confident of beating the Premier League’s bottom side, however, Sunderland have won three of their last five games including their last two on home soil so it could be a tough night.

David Moyes’ side did slip to a 3-0 defeat at Swansea on Saturday to leave them rock bottom of the table but they could move out of the relegation zone with a win if other results go their way.

Team news

Chelsea have been hit by a major injury blow with the news that Eden Hazard is set to miss the game at the Stadium of light tonight after picking up a knock against West Brom at the weekend.

Hazard limped off during the closing stages of the game and is expected to be replaced by Willian in Conte’s starting eleven tonight.

John Terry has a chance of returning to the squad after missing the last month with a buttock injury while Oscar isn’t expected to be involved amid speculation he’s set for a move to China.

Sunderland will be without Duncan Watmore, Lee Catermole and Paddy McNair as they nurse long-term injuries while Fabio Borini is also set to miss out with a groin problem.

Jack Rodwell continues to nurse a hamstring injury and Didier N’Dong will miss the match due to suspension.

Likely Line-Ups

Predicted Score

Sunderland 0-1 Chelsea: The Blues are on a sensational winning run and they are full of confidence so it’s hard to see them not beating the league’s bottom side. Hazard’s loss will be a real blow and no doubt Sunderland will put up a good fight but I think Conte’s men will have enough to edge it and extend their lead at the top.

Betting Tips

Chelsea are the 8/15 favourites to win the game but here are some other bets I like the look of:

• Both teams to score NO at 11/10 – a £10 bet returns £210
• Exact score of 1-0 Chelsea at 15/2 – a £10 bet returns £85
• Costa to score first in 1-0 Chelsea win at 16/1 – a £10 bet returns £170