Chelsea face Sunderland at the stadium of light on Saturday with the black cats desperately needing a victory to aid them in the relegation battle. It has been the same story for Sunderland in the recent past and they have just avoiding relegation on many occasions. They have the right manager for this dogfight and if Sunderland want to be in the league come next season, atleast a point is needed against the blues.
The blues on the other hand have been playing well for the past couple of games and after a crushing victory over Bournemouth and a draw against Spurs which confirmed the title for Leicester, the mood in the camp must be high to end the season on a good note. Momentum must be built ahead of the new campaign and Hiddink will also want to end his tenure on a high. Chelsea are 9th in the table and can move upto 7th if they win all their remaining games.
Captain John Terry returning to the first team will be a huge boost and also the return of form of Eden Hazard has finally made the fans somewhat happy. Kurt Zouma and Loic Remy are the long term absentees and Falcao will take up a place on the bench. Sunderland on the other hand have a fully fit squad and Allardyce will continue to play five at the back with Borini and Khazri on the flanks and Defoe the sole striker. Let’s take a look at the three battles that can decide the outcome of the game:
1. Jermaine Defoe vs John Terry:
The two seasoned players will come head to head, probably for the last time and it will be interesting who comes out on top between the two. Defoe has single handedly won games for the black cats and if someone can save them from relegation, it’s Defoe.
2. Cesc Fabregas vs Lee Cattermole:
The Spaniard was on fighting mode against Spurs, but has improved his performances since the start of the new year. He was the man of the match against cherries and is enjoying the new free roaming role under Hiddink. He will be up against the typical no nonsense Cattermole who is a decent player on his day and can break at play at important times. Fabregas has to be on top of Cattermole if he needs to deliver good service to Hazard and Costa.
3. Diego Costa vs Younus Kaboul:
Costa is a fiery striker and will look to attack the centre backs who have looked vulnerable all season. Kaboul is good in the air, but on the counter, he and Kirchhoff can be targeted by the pace and physical strength of Diego Costa. It will be interesting to see the battle between two hot headed footballers and also Costa will look to score some goals before the new season to make his case strong before Conte.