Chelsea Starting XI vs Sunderland: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Chelsea Focus On Premier League Test

Chelsea welcome Sunderland to Stamford Bridge this afternoon in a Premier League fixture that carries intrigue on and off the pitch. After the 5,1 victory against Ajax in the Champions League, confidence is flowing, yet the manager is expected to freshen things up again. Enzo Maresca made 10 changes for that European win, keeping only Romeo Lavia in midfield, and is now weighing up his strongest combination for domestic action.

Squad Plans And Selection Decisions

Maresca confirmed in his pre Sunderland press conference that there were no new setbacks in terms of injuries. He said that “Chelsea had no new injuries to contend with.” Several key names remain out, with Levi Colwill, Cole Palmer, Benoit Badiashile and Dario Essugo continuing their recovery. There is positive news on Liam Delap, who “is now back in training” following a hamstring problem and could return for the Carabao Cup tie at Wolves next week.

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Joao Pedro is expected to reclaim a starting place after serving a Champions League suspension. Maresca may opt to use him in the No10 role, with Marc Guiu leading the line. Guiu struck his first Champions League goal midweek and is pushing to keep his place. His story adds spice, as “the teenager spent the first 26 days of this season on loan with Sunderland but was recalled early by Chelsea on August 31” due to a striker shortage. A meeting with his former club is a compelling sub plot.

Midfield Balance And Discipline Issues

Chelsea might rotate in midfield again, with Enzo Fernandez ready to come in alongside Moises Caicedo to allow a rest for Lavia. Malo Gusto will be missing as “Malo Gusto was shown a second yellow card late on at Forest so must serve a one match suspension.”

Predicted Lineup And Match Details

Expected Chelsea starting XI, 4,2,3,1, Sanchez, James, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Estevao, Joao Pedro, Neto, Guiu.

Injured, Palmer, Colwill, Badiashile, Delap, Essugo.Suspended, Gusto.Unavailable, Mudryk.

Kick off is at 3pm BST today at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea know the importance of maintaining momentum, while Sunderland arrive looking to disrupt the rhythm of one of the league’s most talented squads.