Follow every kick as Chelsea take on Sunderland at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League
on 16-Jan-2010, kick off time 15:00
Chelsea v Sunderland Live
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Chelsea have the chance to take a stranglehold on this season's title race this weekend when a Sunderland side that has struggled away from home this season visits Stamford Bridge.
After their game against Hull City fell victim to the freezing conditions last Saturday, the Blues were then able to relax and watch third-placed Arsenal struggle to draw with Everton, while nearest challengers Manchester United needed an own goal to rescue a point at Birmingham City.
Those results left Chelsea at the top of the table even though they have been inconsistent recently, particularly in December, when they lost at Manchester City and were also held to draws by Everton, West Ham United and Birmingham City.
They were impressive in their 5-0 demolition of Watford in an FA Cup third round tie earlier this month but will be without Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel, who are all on Africa Cup of Nations duty this month.
In addition, Deco (groin) and Jose Bosingwa (knee) are both expected to miss Saturday's game as Carlo Ancelotti's team look to build on nine wins and one draw in their ten home Premier League fixtures so far this term.
Sunderland's form away from the Stadium of Light has been the main reason for their recent slide into the bottom half of the table.
They have secured only five points from a possible 30 on their travels, with their only away victory coming on the opening weekend of the campaign when Steve Bruce's side claimed a 1-0 victory at Bolton Wanderers.
Since then they have failed to win any of their nine away clashes and last month's 2-2 draw at Blackburn Rovers extended their winless league run to seven matches since they beat Arsenal 1-0 in November.
Source: DSG
