Chelsea welcome Sunderland to Stamford Bridge when they return to Premier League action this weekend.
After a run of three games without a Premier League win, the Blues are back on track after impressive victories over Liverpool and Nottingham Forest – sweeping aside the latter last Saturday in a game that cost Ange Postecoglou his job.
It came despite injuries piling up for Enzo Maresca with Enzo Fernandez joining Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, Liam Delap, Benoit Badiashile and Dario Essugo on the sidelines.
Fernandez will be assessed ahead of the game against Ajax in the Champions League on Wednesday night before focus shifts to the Black Cats. But Maresca has insisted it is not considered a serious issue.
The midfielder returned from international duty with Argentina with a knee issue, left out of the squad. His midfield partner Moises Caicedo came off the bench that day.
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Chelsea will remain without Palmer until early December at the earliest due to the persistent groin injury that has derailed his season so far.
Fernandez’s availability offers one solution in that no10 role with Facundo Facundo Buonanotte another. But Maresca now has the option of pulling Joao Pedro back into a deeper role and unleashing Marc Guiu up front.
The Spaniard was recalled from a loan at Sunderland following Delap’s injury with Nicolas Jackson moved on to Bayern Munich.
While he is still waiting for a start, Guiu was somewhat of a catalyst off the bench against Liverpool and Forest, giving Chelsea a real focal point up stop.
Against Sunderland this weekend, the very team he was hoping to star for during the 2025-26 season, Guiu could have the chance to prove his worth again.
Elsewhere, Chelsea picked up yet another red card with Malo Gusto given his marching orders late on at the City Ground.
Reece James was used in midfield with options light last weekend but that suspension will likely see him return to his natural role.
Chelsea XI to face Sunderland – Metro prediction
Much will depend on how Chelsea fare against Ajax on Wednesday night but Maresca will be hopeful of having his regular midfield duo of Fernandez and Caicedo back this weekend.
Alejandro Garnacho did little to strengthen his case after being hooked at half-time against Forest with Estevao and Pedro Neto already emerging as Maresca’s firm first choice options out wide.
Chelsea vs Sunderland TV channel and kick-off time
Chelsea vs Sunderland kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 25 October.
Given the kick-off slot, the match is not available to watch live in the UK.