Premier League preview: Sunderland v Chelsea

Sunderland will look to continue their recent flurry of goals against Chelsea when the sides meet in the Premier League on Saturday.

Steve Bruce’s men stunned the Blues with a 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge last season, before going down 4-2 in the return English Premier League fixture.

The Black Cats have netted seven goals in their past three outings against Chelsea, though they also conceded on 11 occasions during those encounters.

Former Wigan defender Titus Bramble has declared himself fit for the clash at the Stadium of Light after missing Sunderland’s first three games of the season due to a long-term knee injury.

“It has been disappointing not to play any games so far this season, but I can see where the manager was coming from – I didn’t have a great pre-season,” Bramble said.

“I played in games, but my performances weren’t great at all. I was rusty.”

“So, looking on the positive side, I think the extra few weeks work on the training ground will prove to be beneficial and hopefully, come matchday, I am going to be 100 per cent ready.”

Bramble could return at the expense of Ireland’s John O’Shea, who picked up hip and calf complaints while on international duty.

O’Shea, who signed from Manchester United in the close-season, had only made his return from a hamstring injury against Swansea City last month.

Goalkeeper Petr Cech could be set to return for Chelsea after overcoming a knee injury and resuming full training midweek.

Brazilian defender David Luiz is also expected to be named in Andre Villas-Boas’ squad after he was an unused substitute in his country’s 1-0 friendly win over Ghana on Monday.

The 24-year-old Luiz is yet to feature for Chelsea this campaign due to a thigh injury.