The Premier League's Matchweek 9 presents a fascinating contest at Stamford Bridge as the resurgent Chelsea host the impressive newly-promoted Sunderland on Saturday. Both teams are locked on 14 points after eight matches, sitting side-by-side in the top half of the table, though Chelsea holds the edge on goal difference.
Chelsea comes into the game in sparkling form, having won their last four games across all competitions, including a commanding 5-1 Champions League victory midweek. Manager Enzo Maresca will look to continue this momentum, though he must contend with significant injuries, however, the return of Reece James and the availability of forward Joao Pedro, who missed the European tie, will be crucial.
Sunderland, under Regis Le Bris, has enjoyed a magnificent return to the top flight, demonstrating a disciplined defence that has conceded only six goals—one of the best records in the league. Their success so far has been built on resilience, and they will aim to frustrate Chelsea's attack, which has been prolific recently.
AllSportsPeople looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Chelsea vs. Sunderland live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this Premier League match in the U.S.:
TV channel: -
Live stream: Peacock
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in the US. Streaming options are available on Peacock.
What time does Chelsea vs. Sunderland kick off?
This Premier League clash takes place at Stamford Bridge in London, England and kicks off on Saturday, October 25, at 3:00 p.m. Local time (BST).
Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Sat, Oct. 25 | 10:00 a.m. |
| Central Time | Sat, Oct. 25 | 9:00 a.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sat, Oct. 25 | 8:00 a.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sat, Oct. 25 | 7:00 a.m. |
Chelsea vs. Sunderland predicted lineups, team news
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca faces a mounting injury list, with several key players unavailable. The Blues will be without the suspended right-back Malo Gusto, who was sent off last weekend. He joins long-term absentees including Cole Palmer (groin), Benoit Badiashile (muscle), and Levi Colwill (ACL).
However, Chelsea is boosted by the likely return of captain Reece James at right-back, and the availability of striker Joao Pedro, who missed the Champions League tie through suspension. James's return allows Moises Caicedo to anchor the midfield alongside Enzo Fernandez, while in-form Estevao is expected to continue in the number 10 role to support the attack.
Chelsea predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Sanchez (GK) — James, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella — Caicedo, Fernandez — Neto, Estevao, Garnacho — Pedro
Injured: Palmer, Delap, Colwill, Essugo, Badiashile
Suspended: Gusto
Unavailable: Mudryk (doping ban)
For Sunderland, manager Le Bris also has injury concerns, with key defender Omar Alderete ruled out under concussion protocols. Habib Diarra, Dennis Cirkin, and Aji Alese also remain sidelined with injuries.
The Black Cats will be greatly boosted by the return of Reinildo from a three-match suspension, who is expected to slot straight back in at left-back. This allows Nordi Mukiele to shift to centre-back to partner Daniel Ballard. Up front, Chemsdine Talbi is pushing for a start on the right wing after an impressive cameo last week, joining Enzo Le Fee and central striker Wilson Isidor.
Sunderland predicted starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): Roefs (GK) — Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Reinildo — Rigg, Xhaka, Sadiki — Talbi, Isidor, Le Fee
Injured: Diarra, Mundle, Cirkin, Alese, Hjelde, Alderete
Suspended: None
Premier League fixture schedule this week
All times are ET
Friday, October 24
- Leeds United vs. West Ham United (3:00 p.m.)
Saturday, October 25
- Chelsea vs. Sunderland (10:00 a.m.)
- Newcastle United vs. Fulham (10:00 a.m.)
- Manchester United vs. Brighton & Hove Albion (12:30 p.m.)
- Brentford vs. Liverpool (3:00 p.m.)
Sunday, October 26
- AFC Bournemouth vs. Nottingham Forest (10:00 a.m.)
- Aston Villa vs. Manchester City (10:00 a.m.)
- Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace (10:00 a.m.)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Burnley (10:00 a.m.)
- Everton vs. Tottenham Hotspur (12:30 p.m.)