Only a win will ensure the permutations at the drop zone don’t change by teatime. Sunderland have a game in hand over Newcastle and their fate is in their hands, but I suspect a draw is almost the best they could hope for here.
Sam Allardyce is a master at managing expectations and has worked hard to ensure his players aren’t hit by a bout of nerves after detecting what he called an ‘edginess’ in their 1-1 draw with Stoke City. It took a stoppage time penalty from the ever present Jermain Defoe to secure a point that day, and Sunderland fans will be hoping that last a minute goal isn’t needed this time, although if it happens again I’m sure they’ll take it.
Chelsea will have the lion’s share of possession, but, since Sunderland will be looking to keep things tight and disciplined, playing primarily on the counter, I doubt you’ll see too many goal scoring opportunities taken. It’s therefore worth taking the draw in this one, a bet that is available at 3.20 with William Hill.