PRE-MATCH BRIEFING: SUNDERLAND V CHELSEA

WE HAVE HISTORY
Chelsea's first ever away win against Sunderland came in February 1909, despite the Pensioners having internationals Ben Warren, Jimmy Windridge and George Hilsdon on England duty.

The visitors dominated throughout, although Holley opened the scoring for the Mackems. Tricky Scots winger Angus Douglas levelled (his first for Chelsea) and, with 'unwavering pluck' - said the Daily Express - Billy Bridgeman eventually found a way past Sunderland's excellent keeper, Roose.

Another Chelsea win in the north east still rankles with older Rokerites. In May 1963 the two sides were rivals for promotion from Division Two.

Chelsea boss Tommy Docherty fielded a granite-tough, defensive side on Wearside, and came away with both points thanks to an improvised goal from veteran Tommy Harmer - the most gentlemanly of footballers. Chelsea were promoted along with Stoke. Sunderland missed out.

The Black Cats 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge last November ended a run of 11 successive Chelsea wins.

Chelsea are hoping for a seventh successive Premier League victory against the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland last beat us in the north east in October 2000 when they won 1-0 at the Stadium of Light. Kevin Phillips was the lone scorer with a penalty just after the hour. Graeme Le Saux and Kevin Kilbane were both shown the red card a few minutes later.

Our last 10 Premier League games against Sunderland at Roker Park and the Stadium of Light
1996/97 Sunderland won 3-0
1999/00 Sunderland won 4-1
2000/01 Sunderland won 1-0
2001/02 Drew 0-0
2002/03 Chelsea won 2-1
2005/06 Chelsea won 2-1
2007/08 Chelsea won 1-0
2008/09 Chelsea won 3-2
2009/10 Chelsea won 3-1
2010/11 Chelsea won 4-2

Other match last season
14 November 2010 Barclays Premier League
Chelsea………..……0 Sunderland………..….3
                                         Onuoha 44, Gyan 52
                                         Welbeck 87
                   Att: 41,072

Sunderland v Chelsea in all competitions
Games played 112
Chelsea wins 52
Sunderland wins 39
Draws 21

Head-to-head in the League at Roker Park and the Stadium of Light
Games played 54
Chelsea wins 17
Sunderland wins 28
Draws 9

Biggest league win at Sunderland for each team
Sunderland 4-0 Chelsea - 30/10/1909, 08/02/1913, 08/09/1934
Sunderland 2-4 Chelsea - 01/02/2011

DAYS SINCE
Chelsea won away: 147
Sunderland beat Chelsea at home: 3,983
Arsenal won a trophy: 2,303
Liverpool won a trophy: 1,946

Sunderland v Chelsea