Chelsea return to Premier League action on Saturday, when they host Sunderland at Stamford Bridge. Enzo Maresca's side followed their Premier League win over Nottingham Forest, a result that saw Ange Postecoglou sacked, with a 5-1 hammering of Ajax in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. Chelsea have now won four games in a row in all competitions.
Chelsea's inconsistent start to the season has turned around following that win against Liverpool, where Estevao scored a late winner for them. However, a lengthy injury list alongside their disciplinary issues have not been ideal in these circumstances for them. Malo Gusto is suspended for this game following his red card against Forest. However, with fringe players like Marc Guiu impressing in the last two games, Maresca does have options that he can call upon.
Sunderland have made a superb return to life in the Premier League, winning four of their opening eight games this season. They have 14 points from their eight games so far, and sit in seventh place in the standings at this early stage of the season.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of the game.
How to watch:
The match will not be on TV in the U.K., but you can watch the game on Peacock in the United States, Stan Sport in Australia, and Jio Hotstar in India. You can also follow ESPN's live updates.
Key Details:
Date: Saturday, October 25, 3 p.m. BST (10 a.m. ET; 7.30 p.m. IST, Thursday and 1 a.m. AEST, Thursday).
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
Referee: Andy Madley
VAR: Tom Bramall
Team news:
Chelsea
Malo Gusto, D: OUT, Suspended
Benoît Badiashile, D: knock, OUT, est. return early-Dec
Cole Palmer, F: groin, OUT, est. return late-Nov
Dário Essugo, M: thigh, OUT, est. return late-Dec
Liam Delap, F: hamstring, OUT, est. return mid-Nov
Levi Colwill, D: ACL, OUT, est. late-Apr
Sunderland
Ajibola Alese, D: shoulder, OUT, est. return early-Nov
Dennis Cirkin, D: wrist, OUT, est. return early-Nov
Leo Hjelde, D: achilles tendon, OUT, est. return early-Nov
Habib Diarra, M: groin, OUT, est. return mid-Dec
Romain Mundle, F: hamstring, OUT, est. return early-Nov
Expected Lineups:
Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
GK: Robert Sánchez
RB: Reece James | CB: Trevoh Chalobah | CB: Tosin Adarabioyo | LB: Marc Cucurella
CM: Romeo Lavia | CM: Moises Caicedo
RW: Estêvão | CAM: Joao Pedro | LW: Pedro Neto
CF: Marc Guiu
Sunderland (4-2-3-1)
GK: Robin Roefs
RB: Trai Hume | CB: Dan Ballard | CB: Omar Alderete | LB: Nordi Mukiele
CM: Granit Xhaka | CM: Noah Sadiki
RW: Bertrand Traore | CAM: Chris Rigg | LW: Enzo Le Fee
CF: Wilson Isidor
Stats:
Chelsea have won their last three home league games against Sunderland by an aggregate score of 11-3, most recently a 5-1 victory on the final day of the 2016-17 campaign.
None of the 16 Premier League meetings between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge have been drawn.
Only Manchester City have score more Premier League points at home in 2025 than Chelsea.
Sunderland have not lost in their last 13 away league games in London.
Latest news and analysis:
Chelsea teens put on show in 5-goal night to beat Ajax
Chelsea romped to a 5-1 win over Ajax at Stamford Bridge as Brazilian teenager Estêvão provided further evidence of his scintillating talent.
Chelsea 'lucky' to have record-breaking Estêvão, Maresca says
Enzo Maresca said he feels "lucky" to manage Estêvão and thinks the Brazilian teenager could follow in the footsteps of Cole Palmer to excel in the Chelsea first team.
Maresca treats Chelsea players 'same way' as children amid red card run
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca said he favours a light touch when it comes to disciplining his young squad - just as he does when dealing with his children.
Managing Chelsea is 'one last dream to achieve' - Terry
The former Chelsea captain, who represented his boyhood club for 22 years, rose through the ranks to be their most successful captain -- guiding the club to Champions League and Premier League glory.