Sunderland face the start of a daunting Premier League run later today as Régis Le Bris takes his determined side to Stamford Bridge to battle Enzo Maresca’s in-form Chelsea.
The Black Cats will hope to repeat their last London performance — a gritty 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace — though the challenge this time is far tougher. Chelsea come into the clash full of confidence after a dominant 5-1 Champions League victory over Ajax. Once this test is over, Sunderland will turn their attention to back-to-back home games against Everton and Arsenal to kick off November.
Le Bris will have taken plenty of positives from the 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend, but injury problems could force his hand once again when naming his side for West London.
Sunderland team news vs Chelsea
Habib Diarra remains sidelined with a long-term issue, and Omar Alderete will also sit this one out while following concussion protocols. That absence could see captain Luke O’Nien step into central defence.
Meanwhile, midfielder Noah Sadiki is racing to prove his fitness after suffering a setback on international duty, while Reinildo is available again after serving a suspension. The left-back’s return is timely, given Dennis Cirkin remains out alongside Diarra.
Not every change will come down to fitness, though. Bertrand Traoré’s place in the starting XI is under serious threat after an ineffective display against Wolves, in which he registered only 23 touches before being withdrawn. Facing a far sharper Chelsea side, Le Bris may be tempted to hand an opportunity to one of his more dynamic young forwards.
Who could replace Traoré?
While Traoré is still searching for form, several Sunderland attackers have made the step up to the Premier League look effortless. Enzo Le Fée has already opened his top-flight account, and Wilson Isidor continues to lead the line impressively with three goals this term after firing 13 in the Championship last season.
But the real excitement lies with 20-year-old winger Chemsdine Talbi. The £18m summer signing from Club Brugge — described as “electric” by scout Antonio Mango — has quickly adapted to English football. His brief but lively cameo against Wolves showcased his pace and intent, with one driving run leading to the late own goal that sealed victory.
Talbi also notched an assist on the opening day against West Ham, and local reporter Phil Smith recently praised the youngster for “really growing into the Sunderland shirt” with his fearless, attacking style.
That energy and directness could be exactly what Sunderland need at Stamford Bridge. Le Bris might see Talbi’s “fast-forward” mentality — as he was once dubbed in Belgium — as the perfect surprise weapon to unsettle a confident Chelsea side and spark another spirited performance from his underdogs.