OPPOSITION VIEW: CHELSEA

With Sunderland heading to Stamford Bridge for the first time since 2017, we spoke to Chelsea fanzine writer and author, Chris Wright, to get his thoughts ahead of the game...

Eight games into the season and Chelsea are 5th in the league on 14 points - level with Sunderland, by the way! How would you describe Chelsea's start to the campaign?

It’s been a little inconsistent in all honesty. We’ve started how I thought we would. Little pre-season due to involvement in the Club World Cup and those inevitable injuries have caught up with us. Yes, we have a large squad but missing the likes of Colwill, Palmer and Delap have made a big impact. Discipline has also been an issue with a lot of red cards leading to suspensions. The defeat at Man United and at home to Brighton were down to us. Six points dropped, could have been very different if it was eleven verses eleven. I feel we’ll get stronger as the season goes on.

What are your thoughts on manager Enzo Maresca?

I’m going to sit on the fence with this one! I’m definitely warming to him more and more but still get baffled with certain decisions. He achieved a top four finish last season and won the Conference League, which was expected. Winning the Club World Cup was, however, hugely impressive. He seems to have a great relationship with the players which is hugely important, especially with a team as young as ours. I hope we build on last season's success with Maresca.

Midfielders Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez are your joint-top scorers with three each in the league, what are your thoughts on this duo?

No one really mentions how much Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo anymore as he’s established himself as a top class player. He’s been brilliant and essential to our midfield. Enzo has grown more and more at Chelsea and become a leader on the pitch. When everyone’s fit we do have options in those positions including Romeo Lavia & Andrey Santos.

Other than those guys, who is your best player?

The easy answer is Cole Palmer, we all know how good he is. It's worth mentioning though how good Marc Cucurella has been the last couple of seasons after a difficult start to life at Chelsea. Also, club captain Reece James. Hopefully now he has overcome the injury problems from the past. Now he’s back playing regularly he’s quickly reminded everyone why he’s so important for Chelsea and England.

We were excited to see Marc Guiu lead the line for Sunderland but then he was recalled! Tell us a bit about how his season has gone since returning to he Bridge...

Marc has had limited opportunities at Chelsea since he arrived but was key to our Conference League success last season. I thought he handled himself impeccably when Chelsea brought him back from Sunderland, when some players would have kicked up a fuss. All I hear is that he works really hard along with a great attitude waiting for his opportunities. It was great to see him get on the scoresheet against Ajax, and I think he'll feature to some extent on Saturday.

Having played Ajax midweek, do you think fatigue could play its part on Saturday? Or was a rotated squad?

Ajax was probably the perfect Champions League game we could have had before the visit of Sunderland. A home match, with players rested or taken off, as we eased through the game. It certainly shouldn’t be used as an excuse if we don’t pick up three points.

What have you made of Sunderland's return to the Premier League?

Really good! All three promoted clubs look like they can compete in the Premier League which certainly makes it more interesting. That might change as the season progresses but currently a lot of positives. Sunderland have already made trips to the Stadium Of Light a potentially difficult fixture and I feel that will be key for your club.

Have any players stood out to you in particular?

Granit Xhaka was obviously a great signing providing valuable quality, experience and leadership. I like Isidor also, always a threat with his explosive pace.

What do Sunderland need to do, to be in with a chance of beating the Blues?

When Robert Sanchez has the ball at his feet, chase him down! He’s made quite a few mistakes during his time at Chelsea. He always makes me feel nervous when he has the ball at his feet.

Will you be going to the match?

Yes, I'll be going to the game with my son, very looking forward to it. Can’t beat a Saturday 3pm kick off!

Where would you recommend for any Sunderland fans looking for pre-match food and drink?

If you’re going by train there will definitely be places in and around Earl’s Court. Remember Fulham Broadway underground station is shut this weekend.

What's your score prediction?

Chelsea 2-1 Sunderland. Goals from Cucurella, Pedro Neto, Isidor. Sorry! Chelsea to edge it but a close game.

Finally, where do you reckon both sides will finish this season?

Chelsea 4th, Sunderland 12th. Chelsea absolutely have to finish in the Champions League places again, there can’t be any excuses. As for Sunderland I think you’ll finish around mid table which would be a great return to the Premier League. Definitely the strongest out of the promoted clubs.