Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso will be keen to ensure that the Blues head into the international break on a positive note when they face Sunderland on Sunday afternoon.

The Black Cats are rock bottom of the Premier League table, but they are still a dangerous team to face, especially at home.

Alonso’s men will need to maintain the level they showed during the second half of the 2-0 win over Manchester United to secure another victory.

Press the next page as we share our Chelsea predicted lineup for the game at the Stadium of Light this weekend.

Goalkeeper and Defence

GK – Emi Martinez – the 34-year-old is winning his fitness battle, and he could start ahead of Mike Penders.

CB – Josh Acheampong – the defender is establishing himself as a regular starter. He is repaying the faith of Alonso.

CB – Wesley Fofana – if Alonso goes with a back three again, then he will have no choice but to start the Frenchman despite his poor form. Maxence Lacroix remains on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

CB – Levi Colwill – the centre-half has recovered well after a poor start to the campaign.

Midfield

RWB – Pedro Neto – the Portuguese international started as a false nine against United, but he is much better when using his pace out wide.

CM – Romeo Lavia – after an excellent display last weekend, Alonso will likely keep the midfielder in his starting eleven.

CM – Jordan Henderson – Moises Caicedo is a fitness doubt after missing training midweek. Henderson (who has recovered from the illness that forced him to miss the win over United) could start in his place.

LWB – Pep Chavarria – Marco Palestra had a lukewarm full debut last weekend, and the 29-year-old may come back into the team.

Forwards

RW – Estevao – surely the Brazilian will keep his place after lighting up Stamford Bridge last Saturday?

Reports suggest Alonso has doubts about Estevao’s physicality, so there are no guarantees that he will start at the Stadium of Light.

ST – Morgan Rogers – the continued absence of Joao Pedro means that the 24-year-old may be used as the false nine.

LW – Cole Palmer – the England international could be deployed on the left flank to accommodate Estevao.