Chelsea vs Sunderland

8/12- With Arsenal and Man U having easier ties this match is very important for Chelsea as they would not want to fall behind in the title contention. With Liverpool on their backs having played a match less than Chelsea, it is important that the blue make the most out of this home encounter and pick up all the three points against a struggling Sunderland. On the other hand 15th place Sunderland are just a couple of points from the relegation zone and their only win in the last many matches is the solitary goal victory over last placed Derby last week. Chelsea on the other hand are in third position on the premiership table and would like to maintain their spot and if Man U get an unlikely result against derby the blues will be more than eager to cash on the opportunity. The biggest problem for the home team is the absence of their star striker Drogba due to injury but against a struggling team like Sunderland they seem to have more than enough fire power with Lampard and company to sail away with a home victory and full points. Chelsea can also avail the services of their goalkeeper Cech who was out due to injury and this comparatively easier home tie would be a nice time for him to return and get some match practice. Sunderland, to their credit have managed good shows against the other big teams like Manchester United and Arsenal but they surely stand an extremely slim chance of stopping the blue brigade in their London backyard but Roy Keanne’s team would be more than happy even if they are able to steal a point of this tie and continue their run out of the relegation zone. But a draw or a Chelsea loss looks highly unlikely as the blues are in quite good form. Prediction: 2-0, Chelsea win