Sunderland v
Chelsea
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Steve Bruce's
Sunderland face an early test of their progress when Premier League
title contenders Chelsea arrive at the Stadium of Light on
Tuesday.
The Northumberland-born former Wigan boss took over the Black
Cats this summer and has spent heavily in transforming a squad
which narrowly fought off relegation last season.
Fraizer Campbell, Lorik Cana, Darren Bent and Lee Cattermole
have all arrived in what Bruce calls 'nose bleed stuff' in the
transfer market as plans turn to providing Sunderland with a
different dimension.
Bent made an immediate impact when scoring on his debut at
Bolton at the weekend, but all those attached to the Black Cats
will know that Chelsea will provide a totally different form of
opposition.
Ahead of making his competitive home bow, Bruce has joined those
pointing to the Blues' title credentials following the arrival of
ex-AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti.
Chelsea finished a disappointing third last season, but
Ancelotti has already steered the club to a Community Shield
victory over Manchester United to give an indication of
potential.
The Stamford Bridge outfit were made to work for a late win over
Hull City in West London on Saturday and they will hope for another
three-point haul, but a slightly less strenuous 90 minutes.
Sunderland are likely to include Andy Reid in their squad
following the winger's recovery from a thigh injury, while
goalkeeper Craig Gordon is fit again and competing with Marton
Fulop for a first-team place.
Paulo Da Silva is not expected to feature as he continues to
build match fitness, and Bruce is to make late assessments on
Kieran Richardson and Steed Malbranque, who have thigh and ankle
problems, respectively.
Paul McShane (knee) and David Meyler (ankle) are definitely not
going to be involved.
Chelsea, who are close to a deal for MFK Kosice midfielder
Nemanja Matic, will be without Juliano Belletti due to an Achilles
injury, as new signing Yuri Zhirkov continues to struggle with a
knee complaint.
Centre-back Alex, midfielder Joe Cole and full-back Paulo
Ferreira have all resumed training following injury but are not
ready for first-team football.
Sunderland: Fulop, Bardsley, McCartney,
Ferdinand, Collins, Cattermole, Cana, Richardson, Reid, Bent,
Jones.
Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Terry, Carvalho, A.
Cole, Essien, Mikel, Lampard, Malouda, Anelka, Drogba.