Sunderland visit newly managerless Chelsea this weekend in what, surprisingly, could well be a relegation six-pointer. The Black Cats head into the game on the back of a 1-0 loss against Watford, whilst Chelsea lost 2-1 to Leicester on Monday night. Big Sam has been speaking to the media today and has given his latest team news.
Sebastian Coates is likely to miss the trip to London after picking up an illness earlier in the week. Younes Kaboul, who missed the Watford game for the same reason, is fit again and expected to replace him.
Academy centre-half Tom Beadling is available for selection after scoring on his return to the U21 side last week and could be handed a place on the bench should Sam Allardyce choose to put him ahead of Wes Brown and Adam Matthews in the preference list.
Jack Rodwell and Jermain Defoe are fit enough for a place in the starting lineup should they be required. Both impressed after coming off the bench last weekend.
Long-term absentees Lee Cattermole (back) and Sebastian Larsson (knee) are once again unavailable with Allardyce keen not to rush the midfielders back before they hit full fitness.
