Chelsea v Sunderland Preview

Blues to keep Black Cats at bay

Chelsea v Sunderland Preview:

Premier League: Saturday, 14 January 2012 3pm

Author: Thomas Rooney 11/01/2012

The Premier League returns this weekend after the FA Cup fixtures and one of the stand out games is without doubt Chelsea at home to a much improved Sunderland side.

Referring to Chelsea to begin with, there is no doubt that their ambitions for the season have been altered since the start of the campaign.

When Andre Villas-Boas took over, a title challenge was without doubt the target. However, as we enter 2012, they find themselves 11 points adrift of league leaders Manchester City.

This means, their main aim for the season – at this stage – is to make sure they secure a Champions League place. Anything beyond this, for now, has to be put to the back of their minds.

Having said that, some patience is perhaps justifiably required for the Villas-Boas era. He is a very young manager and is looking to put his stamp on a slightly ageing squad.

Gary Cahill looks set to arrive from Bolton Wanderers and this is perhaps the way the Chelsea boss is going to go in the transfer market. With this in mind, maybe everyone just needs to take stock for a season and go again next year.

However, the Blues are still in the Champions League and currently occupy 4th position in the Premier League. Not exactly disastrous is it? They will be targeting a productive second-half to the season, that’s for sure.

They face a tough test against Sunderland this weekend though. A few weeks ago this would have been considered a home banker. Now though – even if a home victory is still the more likely result – Sunderland are expected to be much more of a threat.

This is down to one reason above all other – Martin O’Neill. Since his appointment, the Black Cats have climbed to 10th in the Premier League after winning four out of their six league games.

The only defeat came at the hands of title-chasing Tottenham, while they also progressed in the FA Cup with a 2-0 victory at Championship side Peterborough.

Like Chelsea, this means their ambitions for the remainder of the season have changed considerably. Just a few weeks ago, their aim was survival and nothing more.

Now, even though they are still aware of how quickly things can change in the Premier League, they can afford to look a little higher. Perhaps a top ten finish is the new target for the season?

Overall, Sunderland’s improved form means that this weekend’s clash at Stamford Bridge should be a very entertaining one. It will be an open contest between two teams that will back themselves going forward.

It could be a frustrating afternoon for Villa-Boas’ men at times, but they should eventually come through with the points. Sunderland will still prosper under O’Neill this year though.

Match bet: Chelsea on the Asian Handicap -1,-1.5 @ 1.925 with Bet365 - (Ł200 free bets)

Correct score prediction: Chelsea 2:1 Sunderland @ 8/1 with Ladbrokes - (Ł50 free bet)