Sunderland vs Chelsea

15/3- Chelsea have been the silent fighters this season and while Arsenal and Manchester United have been fighting for the top spot they have slowly caught up and now are just three points behind Manchester United. This week they travel to take on the 16^th placed Sunderland and would be hoping to return home with a positive result as they have been winning continuously in the last three matches played. Sunderland on the other hand have done good by moving out of the relegation zone and are two points clear as well. In the last match played between the sides Chelsea defeated Sunderland 2-0 while playing at home. Also looking at the overall record between the two sides Chelsea are the better side as they have won 8 of the 13 matches played while Sunderland have won 4 and the remaining one match was drawn. Sunderland are playing at home and have definitive advantage but against a team with the class of Chelsea the advantage might be negated.

Chelsea come into the match after they managed a 6-1 victory over Derby in the last match while playing at home. Lampard has been highly influential in the performance of the team and has already scored 10 goals this season. A win here can take them level with Manchester United in case the later lose their match. The last away match Chelsea played was against West Ham and they managed to net 4 goals and came victorious with a score sheet of 0-4.

Sunderland on the other hand have been hanging in and around the relegation zone almost throughout this season. With a high number of players on the injury list the club would be hoping for a better performance from the team. Jones with 5 goals is the top scorer and he would be expected to deliver in this crucial home tie.

Prediction: 1-2, Chelsea win