Chelsea have to win to put the pressure on Liverpool to maintain their title challenge as the Blues are only a few points from going top once more, but the Reds have the advantage of a Sunday match to see just what they have to compete against outside of Norwich.
The Blues have lost twice in their last six matches and they will be closely watched against a Sunderland side that nearly took three points from Manchester City at the Etihad in midweek.
Jose Mourinho's charges were largely unimpressive against Swansea City this past week and the Black Cats have nothing to loose so they will through caution to the wind most likely.
Gus Poyet's Sunderland side need to win-out if they want to have a chance of remaining in the league and after taking a point from Man City at the Etihad they will have a bit of confidence to try and take something from their trip to Stamford Bridge.
Eden Hazard remain a doubt for Chelsea, but there are no other injury or suspension issues for Mourinho.
Jozy Altidore is once again available for Poyet, but he is expected to stick with Connor Wickham after his impressive midweek performance. Phil Bardsley will serve his second of three matches on suspension while Ki Sung-Yueng will miss through injury.
Chelsea XI: Cech: Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Cole; Matic, Lampard; Salah, Oscar, Willian; Ba.
Sunderland XI: Mannone: Vergini, O'Shea, Brown, Alonso; Cattermole; Johnson, Colback, Giaccherini; Borini, Wickham.
