Chelsea and Tottenham players
Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur played out an ill-tempered 2-2 draw on 2 May Getty Images

Sunderland are in desperate need of points as they prepare to host Chelsea at the Stadium of Light on 7 May.

Where to watch

Kick-off is set for 3pm BST. The game is not scheduled for live broadcast in the UK.

Overview

Jermain Defoe's late penalty salvaged a 1-1 draw for Sunderland at Stoke City last weekend, but Newcastle United's win over Crystal Palace meant the Black Cats slipped back into the relegation zone. The Wearsiders have lost two of their last three head-to-head league meetings with Chelsea.

Defender Billy Jones is racing to recover from a hip injury for the hosts. Manager Sam Allardyce has no other injury concerns.

Gary Cahill and Eden Hazard scored as Chelsea came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in a pulsating game on 2 May. The Blues have only won two of their last seven matches in the league.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is available again for the visitors after serving a two-match ban.

What managers say

Sam Allardyce: "What happened to Tottenham mentally [against Chelsea], we cannot afford for that to happen to our team. We have to stay focused from start to finish. Tottenham lost a goal then lost the plot mentally, so then all of a sudden all the talent they have in that side just went by the way and they ended up not only losing the game but doing the strangest thing I've ever seen a Tottenham side do, and that's get nine players booked and make some quite ferocious tackles at the same time."

Guus Hiddink: "It was a very emotional and hectic game [against Spurs]. To be honest, there were some incidents which were not good. There was a bit of verbal animosity and I tried to come in between and go into the locker room. Everyone started dancing around and pushing around. More people became involved and we shuffled around. You must not have these types of incidents but it happens and at the end we must all calm down."

Form guide

  • Sunderland: DDWLD
  • Last result: Stoke City 1-1 Sunderland
  • Chelsea: DWLLW
  • Last result: Chelsea 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Betting odds (Betfair)

  • Sunderland win: 2/1
  • Draw: 5/2
  • Chelsea win: 29/20

Team news

Sunderland possible XI: Mannone; Yedlin, Kone, Kaboul, Van Aanholt; M'Vila, Kirchhoff, Cattermole; Borini, Defoe, Khazri

Chelsea possible XI: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Mikel, Matic; Willian, Fabregas, Hazard; Costa

Sunderland AFC Premier League