Premier League - Sunderland vs Chelsea

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Premier League Matchday 13 sees Chelsea take on their first Northeast club of 2 in the space of a week as they face off against Wearsiders Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon. This match will mark the third-way point into the Premier Leagues season, and with that chunk of the campaign now behind us, there can be little doubt that clubs are well in the thick of things now, especially with the busy Christmas period just over the horizon.










The corresponding fixture last term nearly a year ago to the day ended a 7-goal thriller that the Blues ultimately, though narrowly, came out on top of. Jozy Altidore opened the scoring on 14 minutes to put the hosts ahead, but a near instant response from Chelsea saw them back on terms when Frank Lampard headed the Blues level at the other end, before José Mourinho's men completed the turnaround just under 20 minutes later when Eden Hazard fired the visitors ahead from the edge of the box. The Black Cats clawed their way back into it, however, 5 minutes after the interval through John O'Shea, but again would surrender a lead to their guests, when Eden Hazard scored his second on the night to put the Blues back ahead 12 minutes later. An own goal from Phil Bardsley 6 minutes from time appeared to put the Londoners out of sight and the game well and truly to bed, but one last twist saw the Scot atone for his error 2 minutes later at the other end to pull his side back into it, and set up a very nervy, though ultimately harmless, finish for the visiting Blues.













The sides obtained contrasting results the weekend previous in their Matchday 13 fixtures. The Blues positively strolled to very possibly the easiest 3 points they're likely to attain all season as they defeated listless West Bromwich Albion 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, while Sunderland negotiated a dour 0-0 draw away to struggling Leicester City at the King Power.










Kevin Friend, who last officiated for Sunderland in their 2-0 home defeat to Arsenal a month ago and for Chelsea in their 4-2 victory over Swansea City in September, and who has handed out 2 red cards in his last 2 matches and 17 yellow cards in his last 3, has been appointed referee for Saturday's affair.

Mourinho on Costa:
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"He took a knock. In his leg, I don't know. I wasn't so worried at the time. He will be ready for Saturday."

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— via the Daily Mail

Should be a good game, last game I watch before I go to NZ, too.

You aren't even watching any games when you go to NZ?

Sunderland must believe they can beat Chelsea, insists manager Gus Poyet:
Ex-Blue Gus Poyet says Sunderland must believe they can beat his former club Chelsea
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2852118/Sunderland-believe-beat-Chelsea-insists-manager-Gus-Poyet.html

"We have been there and we have done it before. We have to go and believe."

"For us, they are better than us technically, and physically they have been outstanding as a team. We need to be strong mentally and have a good day as well. If we can’t cope with the mental side then we have no chance."

"I would not expect to be looking to beat Chelsea for a third time in a row. We wonder which team is going to beat them first, though."

"Who will beat them in the Champions League? And who will beat them in the Premier League? Someone has to, no?"

Shed wrote:You aren't even watching any games when you go to NZ?

Probably not. Unless they are on tv.

Will be a few goals tonight too.

Meh, I'll be going for a modest scoreline myself

Poyet: Chelsea stronger than ever:
Gus Poyet has acknowledged his side face a mighty task to replicate last season's stunning league and cup double when Chelsea visit the Stadium of Light on Saturday
http://www.espnfc.com/barclays-premier-league/story/2168737/poyet-chelsea-stronger-than-ever

"This is a different Chelsea - a better one and a stronger one than last year.

"They were strong favourites before the season started and now after the games we've played so far without a doubt they are even bigger favourites. They are the best team in the country by far.

"I watched the (Schalke) game and it was impressive - let's hope they're not perfect again. For us it is the biggest challenge by far and when you play against the best team you need to be at your best."

José Mourinho gets into festive spirit ahead of Sunderland showdown:
José Mourinho, who cancelled his players' Christmas party after a dismal League Cup defeat at Sunderland 12 months ago, has the festive spirit flowing at Stamford Bridge
http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/541295/Chelsea-Jose-Mourinho-festive-spirit-Sunderland-football-news

"This one I think the boys and their families deserve."

"The club is preparing a little party for them and their families. Because their families also deserve it."

"My kids are 14 and 18. I don't think they belong there. But I have to go to say a couple of words. I won't be Santa though - that will be someone else."

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We are definitely dropping points here

Costa booked. Misses the Spurs game. F*****g stupid.

Remy and Drogba on.

Schurrle coming on for our final change in place of Willian.

Just 2 minutes added

FT: Sunderland 0-0 Chelsea


Shite.

Missed opportunity with Southampton and City going head-to-head tomorrow.

José: "Only one team wanted to win"


His usual line after a crap result. Complete bull. They had more chances than we did, and much better ones at that.

guess i didn't miss too much, was trying all morning for a decent stream, but it seemed like it was a frustrating match.

Kick wrote:Will be a few goals tonight too.

Swing and a miss.

dostoevsky wrote:

Kick wrote:Will be a few goals tonight too.

Swing and a miss.

The usual, for him