Form and Line-up
Thanks to a run of three matches without defeat, and most importantly a win in the previous round, Sunderland have climbed a couple of places and are now 10th. They trail eighth-placed Chelsea, who are currently holding the Europa Conference League spot, by one point, but the goal difference is heavily against the home team (-7 vs +7).
Key numbers
Regis Le Bris' side have lost at home only four times in 18 matches.
Apart from a couple of disastrous defensive displays, Sunderland do not concede more than one goal per game — in 8 of their last 10 matches.
Both at home and away, Sunderland have the same share of possession (44.8%).
Probable Sunderland line-up (4-2-3-1)
Robin Rufs — Reinildo Mandava, Nordi Mukiele, Luke O'Nien, Lutsharel Geertruida — Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki — Nilson Angulo, Enzo Le Fee, Trai Hume — Brian Brobbey.
Absentees
Romaine Mundle (injured), Omar Alderete (doubtful), Dan Ballard (suspended).
Form and Line-up
After two rounds outside the European spots and defeat in the FA Cup final, Chelsea are slowly recovering. The win over Tottenham Hotspur (2:1) took them back up to eighth place. Tottenham Hotspur are dangerous in their burning desire to preserve their permanent status in the Premier League, but they were not even able to earn a draw against the Blues. The hosts played as if there had been no crisis: they scored twice from 0.63 xG.
Key numbers
Chelsea have more possession than their opponents even away from home (56.4%).
The Blues are in the top three for goals scored from the penalty spot (seven).
Despite three consecutive matches without a win, Chelsea still sit in the top three of the away table.
Probable Chelsea line-up (4-2-3-1)
Robert Sanchez — Malo Gusto, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella — Reece James, Moises Caicedo — Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto — Liam Delap.
Absentees
Jesse Derry, Estevao, Jacey Gittens (injuries), Joao Pedro (doubtful).
