Chelsea travel to the Stadium of Light on Sunday for their final Premier League fixture before the November international break. The result against Sunderland could have a significant impact on how Xabi Alonso’s tenure at Stamford Bridge is viewed.

Alonso’s side are currently fourth in the table, with 16 points from nine games, and could climb to third with a victory. However, a defeat could see Chelsea drop to sixth and fall 11 points behind league leaders Arsenal.

Meanwhile, the Black Cats are bottom of the table and have not won since beating Fulham in August. However, Chelsea should have no reason to be complacent after Sunderland defender Trai Hume’s comments about this weekend’s game.

Trai Hume sends Chelsea clear warning ahead of Sunderland clash

Chelsea have several reasons for motivation heading into the Sunderland game, not least losing to them at home and away last season, including on the final day when Europa League qualification was up for grabs. The Blues have now been given added motivation following Trai Hume’s post-match interview on Thursday night.

After Sunderland’s surprising 2-0 Europa League defeat at home to Dinamo Zagreb, Hume looked ahead to welcoming Chelsea to the Stadium of Light. He insisted it was the Black Cats’ “biggest game of the season”, with the team looking to end a seven-game winless run in the Premier League.

“We wanted to give our fans something to cheer about and we couldn’t do that,” Hume told TNT Sports after losing to Dinamo Zagreb. “We’re really disappointed but we have put our focus on the Premier League now.

“This is probably the biggest game of the season for us; not getting results has run on too long and we need to find a way to change that.”

A boyhood Chelsea fan, Hume’s comments have sent a clear warning to the West London club that they can expect a tough game. The Blues undoubtedly have more quality and are in better form than their opponents, but they must be prepared for an intense physical battle at the Stadium of Light.