„Chelsea“ against „Sunderland“
After seven months, „Sunderland“ arrived at „Stamford Bridge“ as guests who simply enjoyed the Premier League champions' title celebration party. Now they arrive for a crucial match in terms of points considering the relegation situation. This will be the first match after „Chelsea“ parted ways with Mourinho for the second time in their history. Unlike the first separation, this time it seems that changing the coach might not be enough for the team. Whoever is appointed as the new coach will have to revitalize the current players' form or do a tremendous job convincing the necessary players to join the team, especially since it is very likely that next year „Chelsea“ will be without Champions League football.
As for the upcoming match, „Chelsea“ desperately needs three points. Especially when those three points would be taken from a team that is lower in the standings than the „Blues“. One of the coaches who will choose the lineup for the match - either Steve Holland or Eddie Newton, will have to start proving that the poor results were truly the coach's fault, not the players'. This will be particularly necessary if the fans express their discontent with the events of the past days.
„Chelsea“ will once again be without Radamel Falcao, but his absence is unlikely to affect the team too much. Much more important is the injury of Eden Hazard, which he suffered during the last match. Even if he steps onto the field, the Belgian will certainly not be ready at one hundred percent. Due to the injury, the player could not participate in almost all of this week's training sessions.
It is hard to believe, but „Chelsea“ lost four of their last seven home matches in the Premier League. With Mourinho or without Mourinho, such a terrible performance must come to an end. If the team fails to beat one of the Premier League underdogs even after the departure of the Portuguese, the club's internal situation, and even more so the fans' trust in the players, would certainly not improve. A victory is crucial for the „Chelsea“ players.
Match Details:
Kick-off time: 17:00
Venue: „Stamford Bridge“ stadium
League standings: „Chelsea“ (15 points - 16th place); „Sunderland“ (12 points - 19th place)
Teams' form in the Premier League: „Chelsea“ (1 win, 1 draw, 3 losses); „Sunderland“ (2 wins, 3 losses)
Last head-to-head match: May 24, 2015. „Chelsea“ 3 - 1 „Sunderland“.
Other Premier League matches:
17:00 „Everton“ - „Leicester“
17:00 „Manchester United“ - „Norwich“
17:00 „Southampton“ - „Tottenham“
17:00 „Stoke City“ - „Crystal Palace“
17:00 „West Brom“ - „Bournemouth“
19:30 „Newcastle United“ - „Aston Villa“
