Sunderland and Chelsea- the two sides have experienced two very different stories so far this season. Chelsea sit comfortably at the top of the table having managed to win nine Premier League games in a row. They have a three-point lead over nearest challengers Arsenal and will be looking to keep themselves in the driving seat in the title race.
On the other hand, Sunderland find themselves at the rock bottom after 15 games weeks with just 11 points. David Moyes’ side suffered a humbling 3-0 loss at the hands of fellow strugglers Swansea City on Saturday which will be concerning for the fans after a recent rise in form.
Both sides will be desperate to win the game for very different reasons and that is why we can expect a good game when the two sides lock horns at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday. Here are three key battles which could decide the game.
Diego Costa vs Lamine Kone
Costa is in the form of his life. Right now, he is the most in-form striker in the Premier League. You give him one half-chance, he will punish you. The same happened to Gareth McAuley and West Brom this past weekend.
Chelsea were struggling to break down the West Brom defence but the Baggies had to pay for one individual mistake by McAuley. Lamine Kone is the leader of the Sunderland defence and he has to ensure that Costa does not enjoy his game against the Black Cats.
Kone played a key role in Sunderland’s survival last season and if they are to have any chance of coming up with an upset against the league leaders, then the Ivorian will have to deliver.
Eden Hazard vs Billy Jones
Eden Hazard has shut up all his critics with his excellent form this season. The PFA Player of the Year in the 2014-15 season had a poor last season but looks to have rediscovered his form this campaign. The Belgian superstar will look to tear apart Sunderland defence from the left flank but will face a strong challenge from Billy Jones who is not an adventurous right-back but is pretty strong defensively.
If Jones can keep Hazard silent, like West Brom’s Dawson did on the previous game, Sunderland do stand a chance of upsetting the big guns of London.
Jermain Defoe vs David Luiz
Defoe is the only glimmer of hope for Sunderland amidst their poor run this season. The veteran Englishman has scored eight goals and set up two more this season from 15 Premier League outings.
Sunderland are highly reliant on the 34-year-old for goals but the talismanic forward has to go past David Luiz to inflict any kind of damage to the Chelsea defence. Luiz has had some resurrection under Conte and won’t be easy to beat considering his recovery pace.
