After they had dropped points to Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion, Chelsea returned to winning ways in the Premier League with victories over West Ham United and Southampton.

However, ahead of their trip to Sunderland on Wednesday night, their form away from home has been patchy. Of their six matches away from Stamford Bridge, they've won just two.

Manager Jose Mourinho may keep faith with Demba Ba after he came off the bench to score against Southampton, while Ashley Cole could also be reinstated at left-back.

Brazilian midfielder Oscar recently picked up an ankle injury, which could rule him out of the match at the Stadium of Light. If he does miss out, then it is expected that Juan Mata will keep his place.

Meanwhile, former Chelsea midfielder and current Sunderland boss Gus Poyet could keep faith in the same side that earned a 0-0 draw from their weekend trip to Aston Villa.

The Blues have won on their last eight visits to the home of the Wearsiders.

Recent form

Sunderland: LWLWLD

Chelsea: WWLDWW

Possible starting lineups

Sunderland: Mannone; Bardsley, Dossena, Brown, O'Shea; Ki, Gardner, Larsson, Giaccherini; Borini, Fletcher

Chelsea: Cech; Cole, Terry, Cahill, Ivanovic; Mikel, Ramires; Mata, Hazard, Schurrle; Ba

Sports Mole says: 0-2