Sunderland may appear in peril of reprising last season’s relegation skirmish but at least Gus Poyet knows how to beat José Mourinho. As a former Chelsea player, Poyet relished choreographing a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge in April which ended Mourinho’s run of 77 undefeated home Premier League games during his two stints in charge in west London. As if that was not enough, Poyet’s players also knocked Chelsea out of last season’s League Cup. Can lightning strike thrice? “I’m hoping for an ugly evening with lots of wind and rain,” he says. Louise Taylor
Kick-off Saturday 5.30pm
Venue Stadium of Light
Last season Sunderland 3 Chelsea 4
Live Sky Sports 1
Referee K Friend
This season G7, Y32, R1, 4.86 cards per game
Odds H 17-2 A 2-5 D 4-1
Sunderland
Subs from Mannone, Coates, Bridcutt, Rodwell, Buckley, Álvarez, Robson, Altidore, Mavrias
Doubtful Álvarez (knee)
Injured Giaccherini (ankle, 6 Dec), Van Aanholt (shoulder, unknown)
Suspended None
Form WLLWDD
Discipline Y24 R0
Leading scorer Fletcher 4
Chelsea
Subs from Cech, Schwarzer, Filipe Luís, Christensen, Zouma, Willian, Rémy, Salah, Mikel, Schürrle, Baker, Drogba
Doubtful Costa (thigh)
Injured Aké (hamstring, 13 Dec)
Suspended None
Form WWDWWW
Discipline Y27 R2
Leading scorer Costa 11
