Sunderland winger Adam Johnson feels that his side can use the belief given to them by their performances against the top teams in the Premier League last season in their clash with Chelsea.

The Black Cats defeated the Blues 2-1 in their match in the last campaign to end Jose Mourinho's 77-game unbeaten run at Stamford Bridge, while they also beat Manchester City and Manchester United.

Johnson has admitted that those displays have given him and his teammates plenty of confidence they can take a positive result from their clash with Chelsea at the Stadium of Light.

The 27-year-old told the club's official website: "Evening winter matches in the Barclays Premier League are always special. There is always a little extra in them and it is great to play at night at the Stadium of Light, especially against the teams at the top of the league.

"It's going to be a difficult game against Chelsea but we've been strong and we have always done well against the big teams, so hopefully that will continue.

"We got massive wins against the top teams last season when we needed them, so if we can carry that momentum and pick up points it would be great for us."

Sunderland are 14th in the Premier League going into their match against Mourinho's men.