Sunderland v Chelsea Tip

On paper this looks like a massive mismatch between the side sat second in the table against the team currently second bottom. But look beneath the surface and it ought to be hugely competitive with the draw arguably the most likely outcome at best odds of 17/5 with BetVictor.

Sunderland aren’t playing nearly as badly as their run of five away matches without a goal suggests. Indeed, they have won their last three in all competitions at the Stadium of Light with success against title favourites Man City the most notable, last time out.

Gus Poyet has breathed new life into the Mackems and they probably deserved more than a 0-0 draw at Villa Park on Saturday. Fabio Borini struck the crossbar, Giaccherini somehow missed a gilt-edged chance from four yards and they were denied a strong penalty claim.

If the Black Cats start to get a little luckier then Chelsea are certainly inconsistent enough to drop points. The Europa League champions have self-destructed against Newcastle, WBA and Basel all within the last month. It’s hard to know what happens to the thoroughbreds who eased past Schalke and West Ham within the same period.

It’s a game that’s pretty tough to call but certainly Chelsea must be opposed at best odds of 4/7 (WilliamHill) for the away win. I can’t see Mourinho tolerating another away loss but he might end up settling for a point, even if he’s unlikely to admit it.