Premier League: Chelsea vs Sunderland - Betting Tips, Odds & Prediction

It's another away trip for Sunderland on Sunday, with Stamford Bridge waiting to welcome them after eight years. Chelsea have been finding their feet lately, winning their last three matches across all competitions – enough to quiet the critics, at least for now.

Promoted sides haven't exactly covered themselves in glory in the Premier League in recent seasons, but Sunderland look like they might be cut from a different cloth. That said, getting anything from a Chelsea team that's clearly on the up will be no easy feat. Sunderland will need to be spot on.

What do New Zealand betting sites make of this one, then? And where's the value in betting on Chelsea vs Sunderland? Read on, as we’ve got all the answers.

Chelsea

Football betting sites are showing renewed faith in the Blues, and it’s for good reason.

A win against the reigning Premier League champions was just what the doctor ordered for Chelsea to bounce back from their shocking home defeat against Brighton. 

Enzo Maresca’s men dropped points in four of their first six Premier League matches. However, recent back-to-back wins have prompted pundits to talk about Chelsea’s title credentials again. 

The Londoners have shown more maturity in recent weeks. They had no issue coping with the absence of star-man Cole Palmer as the team stepped up and delivered as a cohesive unit - something Maresca had been craving to see since day one.

Team News: A groin injury has ruled Palmer out once again.

Predicted Lineup: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Estevao, Buonanotte, Garnacho; Pedro.

Sunderland

Stadium of Light had been in top-flight darkness for eight years before this season. Nonetheless, Sunderland don’t seem out of place so far - they seem quite used to the demands of Premier League football. 

Yes, they did spend more than £150 million in the summer, bringing in the likes of Granit Xhaka, Habib Diarra, and Robin Roefs. However, that alone can’t guarantee success in the Premier League. 

So, Regis Le Bris deserves credit for the early momentum Sunderland have built in the league. They have 14 points under their belt - the same as their Sunday morning hosts, Chelsea.

Team News: Sunderland will have to make do without Diarra once again as he is nursing a groin injury. 

Predicted Lineup: Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Hume; Xhaka, Sadiki, Traore, Rigg, Le Fee; Isidor.

• Sunderland have not won at Stamford Bridge since 2010.
• Only Arsenal (3) have conceded less than Sunderland (6) this season. 
• Only Manchester City (17) have scored more goals than Chelsea (16) this season.

Odds on betting apps don’t show it, but this should be an intriguing battle between two sides whose strengths are in completely different areas. It’s the second best defence vs the second best attack! 

Sunderland have kept things tight at the back in four matches so far, whilst Chelsea haven't drawn a blank since that opening day clash with Crystal Palace. 

Under Maresca, Chelsea have been all over the place – you never quite know what you are going to get. The last few games suggest they might be settling down a bit, though.

For Sunderland, it'll be about staying solid and seeing what they can nick. Goals aren't exactly flowing for them, but given Chelsea's defence can be a bit dodgy, Sunderland should get chances to score.

That said, it’s hard not to tip a Chelsea win in this one. We are confident it will be a more evenly contested battle than the 5-1 hammering Sunderland received in their last away match at Chelsea in 2017, but Chelsea should be able to bag the three points.

Chelsea 2-0 Sunderland @ $7.50

Manchester United and Burnley have managed to score twice in 90 minutes against Sunderland. Le Bris’ men are a solid defensive unit, but Chelsea’s attacking finesse shouldn’t be underestimated. They have scored via nine different scorers and goals are coming from all areas of the pitch. A 2-0 win for Chelsea, therefore, doesn't seem too far-fetched.