Chelsea hosts Sunderland at Stamford Bridge in a Premier League Matchday 9 clash. The London side is chasing a third consecutive league victory, a result that would propel them into the top four. The Blues' winning streak across all competitions currently stands at four straight matches.
The Black Cats have enjoyed a very strong start to the season since their return to the top flight, and heading into today's game, they boast 14 points – precisely the same tally as Chelsea.
Only three Chelsea players who started midweek in the Champions League victory against Ajax retain their spots. One of them is Marc Guiu, making his first Premier League start against his former club, for whom he played just three matches on loan before being recalled to Stamford Bridge. Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández are the other two who keep their places. Robert Sánchez, Reece James, Josh Acheampong, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella, Pedro Neto, João Pedro, and Alejandro Garnacho are also in the starting lineup.
Reinildo Mandava returns for Sunderland after serving a suspension. Lutsharel Geertruida also starts.