English Premier
2009-05-24 - Sunderland vs Chelsea
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:Sunderland welcomes the visit of Chelsea knowing that only a win will do if they are to be guaranteed a place in the Premiership next season. Even though they hold a two point lead over Newcastle, but they have a worse goal difference than the Magpies going into this "Survival Sunday".
Newcastle will only have to beat Chelsea if Newcastle take all three points from their trip to Aston Villa and Hull City defeat Manchester United at the KC Stadium. However, if Hull City fails to win or the Magpies are beaten, then the Black Cats will remain in the top flight regardless of how they fare against Chelsea.
They wasted the chance when they threw the lead and even though took the lead against Portmouth, felled to a 3-1 defeat on Monday. Sunderland fans are hoping that Chelsea are somewhat distracted by their forthcoming FA Cup final against Everton as Guus Hiddink brings his star-studded and in-form squad to the North East for his final Premier League game with them.
Chelsea still have an outside chance of finishing second in the standings but for that to happen they have to beat Sunderland and then hope that the Reds are beaten by Spurs at Anfield. But goal difference is also on the side of the Reds.
Sunderland does not have good memories on the last day of the Premierships as they have never won before on the last day in the Premier League. Chelsea also have a good record against Sunderland. Chelsea have found the net 21 times, including a 5-0 Stamford Bridge success this season, while Sunderland have breached the Blues defence only twice in their last nine attempts.
As for the team news, midfielder Steed Malbranque could miss out after suffering a hip injury in the defeat to Portsmouth. Malbranque will undergo a late fitness test to prove his fitness, but George McCartney is unlikely to start this match.
Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka will lead the line alongside Didier Drogba as he is currently the joint top scorer with Cristiano Ronaldo with 18 goals. Hiddink could possibly stick with the same side that beat Blackburn 2-0 last time out.
Michael Ballack is available again after missing the win over Bolton with flu while defender Ricardo Carvalho and midfielder Deco are also available after recovering from their hamstring injuries.
Take Chelsea to get the win here in this match.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Chelsea to win 1-0
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
Take Chelsea to win this match.
