Chelsea will be looking to strengthen their hold on fourth place in the Premier League when they face Sunderland on Sunday afternoon.

Rafael Benitez's side go into the game off the back of Thursday's 3-1 victory over Rubin Kazan in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.

Paolo Di Canio takes charge of his first match as Sunderland boss following his appointment at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

The Black Cats have lost four and drawn two of their last six in the league to leave themselves a point above the relegation zone with seven games remaining.

Benitez could make changes to the side which beat Rubin Kazan, with Demba Ba set to be recalled in place of Fernando Torres up front. John Obi Mikel, Eden Hazard and Oscar could also be restored to the starting XI.

Sunderland will be without Lee Cattermole and Steven Fletcher for the rest of the season due to injury, while Sebastian Larsson could start.

Recent form

Chelsea: LWLWWL

Sunderland: LLDLDL

Possible starting lineups

Chelsea: Cech; Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Luiz, Bertrand; Ramires, Mikel, Hazard, Oscar, Mata; Ba

Sunderland: Mignolet; Gardner, O'Shea, Bramble, Rose; Johnson, N'Diaye, Larsson, McClean, Sessegnon; Graham

Sports Mole says: 3-1

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