The Blues are delighted to welcome back Petr Cech from injury, despite winning both games whilst he has been injured, it is clear the superb keeper has been missed.
Other good news is that David Luiz is also fit again and Daniel Sturridge returns from his suspension, meanwhile new signing Raul Meireles could make an appearance, but it is unlikely as he is still recovering from his shoulder injury.
Didier Drogba will miss out, as he is still recovering from concussion, following his head injury sustained against Norwich before the International break.
The home side will be missing star striker Asamoah Gyan, who picked-up a hamstring injury in Ghana’s defeat to Brazil, and John O’Shea is also out injured.
New loan signing Nicklas Bendtner is likely to make his debut following his move from Arsenal, he will provide some much needed fire power for the Black Cats.
Head-to-head
Chelsea have enjoyed recent trips to Sunderland, where they have won on their last six trips to Sunderland.
In the last 13 Premier League games between the two teams Chelsea have won 12 of them, the one defeat for the Blues was last season’s 3-0 shock at the Bridge.
Sunderland’s last points at home against Chelsea came back on 9th December 2001, when they drew 0-0. A season before that the Black Cats managed to do the double over the Blues, including a 4-2 win at the Bridge.
The home team have lost their last three home league games, and the 0-0 draw with Swansea was only their third clean sheet in 19 games.
Betting
With Chelsea’s history at the Stadium of Light and with the return of Petr Cech the Blues are clear favourites at 100/135, for those who want to go for the home side they are 9/2.
For a certain Mr Torres to open his account for the season he is 5s to score first and 11/8 to score at anytime.
If you think there are going to be goals then a safe bet could be over 2.5 goals is 21/20 or if you want to go all out then why not go with 13/5 for over 3.5 goals.
By Scott Balaam
Twitter @theshed11