Both Sunderland and Chelsea are currently up to their necks in fierce competition with the teams surrounding them at their opposite ends of the PL Table. A win for Mourinho and his men this weekend would put them top of the League ahead of Liverpool’s game on Sunday away at Carrow Road, whereas three points for The Black Cats could lift them off the bottom and bring them closer to evading the dreaded ‘drop zone’. With Chelsea on almost three times the amount of points Sunderland has, The Blues are the clear favourites, but the fighting spirit is alive in Poyet’s men as they showed in their draw away against Manchester City in midweek.

The main problem for Chelsea, though, is that they’ll be without star man Eden Hazard, who’s been in scintillating form all season, although the Belgian should be back for the Champions League semi-final against Atlético Madrid. Eto’o has recovered well from the hamstring injury he suffered at the end of March and should be starting again unless Torres or Ba (who has scored twice in his last two appearances) keep him out. For Sunderland injuries are of greater significance, with Ki Sung-yueng, Carlos Cuellar, Keiren Westwood and Steven Fletcher all out of the team due to injury. Liam Bridcutt will also miss the match and so will Phil Bardsley who is completing a two-match suspension. There is one positive for Poyet’s men, though, as right-back Ondrej Celustka returns to the fray after a lengthy absence on account of a knee problem.

As usual it is Chelsea’s midfield that is looking to impress going into this match, as Willian, Salah and Schürrle have all hit form at the right time, and Oscar is gradually returning to the skilful, attacking playmaker he was earlier on this season. Chelsea's defence also aim to continue a run of not conceding at home that has lasted since 19th January. Hoping to bring this to an end are The Black Cats’ two wide men, Fabio Borini and Adam Johnson, players wholly undeserving of being in the fight for survival. Liverpool loanee Borini is a more direct player than Johnson, with a good eye for goal, but Johnson’s ability to beat his man and get in a cross could provide a challenge for Azpilicueta who hasn't had too many problems with stopping attackers in the past.

Prediction: 3-0

Unless the Black Cats strike lucky, The Blues should get another three points out of this match, despite Sunderland’s recent result against Manchester City. Expect the Sunderland players to come to the Bridge in fighting spirits, and they may keep the Blues out for the first half, or even the first hour, but eventually the fatigue will set in and Chelsea’s class will overwhelm them. Sunderland have scored 5 goals against Chelsea the last two times these sides met, but now The Blues defend all over the pitch with far too much pressure and organisation to allow Sunderland to break through. This won’t be an easy victory for Chelsea, despite my prediction, and with the match against Atlético looming over Mourinho’s men, the players may be slightly preoccupied.

If Chelsea does succeed, though, they stand a chance of being top of the league before next week’s heavyweight clash against Liverpool. There are just four League games left now for The Blue Lions and every one of them is vital for their success. In these remaining weeks, both teams' seasons will be defined. Can Mourinho make this another season to remember?

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