Chelsea vs Sunderland
Kick-off: Saturday 3pm
Venue: Stamford Bridge
.@ChelseaFC can confirm Guus Hiddink has been appointed first-team manager until the end of the season. https://t.co/ysm9lCR0jF
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 19, 2015
Manager less Chelsea host Sunderland at Stamford Bridge in what looks like an interesting match between two struggling sides. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has been sacked by club owner Roman Abramovich for the second time following the defeat to Leicester City last weekend.
The Blues are languishing at 16th place in the table with just 15 points on board after the first 16 games. This is just after 7 months when Chelsea lifted the Premier League trophy in a dominating fashion. Guus Hiddink has been appointed as the club’s interim manager, but will watch the game from the stands while Steve Holland will take control of team matters. The former Dutch national manager will take charge of the Blues from the next game.
According to the club’s official website, Guus said: ‘I am excited to return to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in the world but is not where it should be at the moment. However, I am sure we can all turn this season around.
‘I am looking forward to working with the players and staff at this great club and especially renewing my wonderful relationship with the Chelsea fans.’
This is the second time Hiddink has been appointed as the club’s interim manager and Cheslea fans would have fond memories of their former manager who helped to win the FA Cup last time around.
The squad have arrived at Stamford Bridge. Team news to follow shortly… https://t.co/7iPIfJ7cK4
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 19, 2015
The Lads have arrived at Stamford Bridge ahead of today’s game! #CHESUN pic.twitter.com/8muSum7lOV
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) December 19, 2015
The Black cats are another struggling side in the Premier League and are just 3 points behind the Blues in 19th place. A Win looks a must for both the sides at the moment. Sunderland have already shocked the West London side last season by picking up all three points at Stamford Bridge and it was the first loss for Jose Mourinho at his home ground. Back to back wins in November boosted Sunderland’s survival chances since big Sam took over the club, but recent defeats to Arsenal and Watford has left them back in the drop zone.
Here are the confirmed Lineups for the game:
Chelsea team today: Courtois; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry (c), Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Willian, Oscar, Pedro; Diego Costa. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 19, 2015
Chelsea subs: Begovic, Cahill, Baba Rahman, Mikel, Ramires, Traore, Remy. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 19, 2015
#SAFC XI v @Chelsea: Pantilimon, Jones, Coates, Kaboul, O’Shea (c), PVA, M’Vila, Rodwell, Toivonen, Watmore, Defoe. pic.twitter.com/wQPwOggLXf
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) December 19, 2015
Substitutes: Mannone, Borini, Gomez, Graham, Yedlin, Fletcher, Johnson.
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) December 19, 2015
We predict a 1-0 win for the home side. What’s your prediction?