Chelsea v Sunderland preview

Sunderland face a test of their progress under Martin O'Neill when they travel to Stamford Bridge to face a Chelsea side striving to get back into the title race.

The Blues are currently fourth in the Premier League standings and 11 points adrift of leaders Manchester City, while they are also eight behindManchester United and Tottenham.

The initial focus for Andre Villas-Boas' side may be on putting distance between themselves and Arsenal and Liverpool in the battle for a UEFA Champions League spot, but the manager has not given up hope of challenging for top spot just yet.

Following a difficult festive period, Chelseaclaimed a battling 2-1 victory over Wolves at the start of 2012 and then beat Portsmouth 4-0 in the third round of the FA Cup last week.

Villas-Boas named a strong side against Pompey but has a number of selection dilemmas ahead of the visit of Sunderland on Saturday.

Winger Florent Malouda is doubtful after picking up a knock in the FA Cup win and failing to train on Wednesday or Thursday.

Daniel Sturridge and John Terry have both been passed fit but the game comes a week too soon for Michael Essien (knee), Branislav Ivanovic and John Obi Mikel (both hamstring), while Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou are on African Cup of Nations duty.

There could therefore be a chance for Fernando Torres up front, while there will be plenty of interest in whether Frank Lampard is selected after a week in which Villas-Boas has again had to insist the midfielder is a key part of his plans.

Sunderland news

Sunderland will be hoping to continue their recent revival with another good result against the Blues this weekend, having had their fortunes transformed by O'Neill.

The Black Cats have pulled away from the relegation battle to surge into the top half of the standings on the back of a four-match unbeaten league run.

A 2-0 success at Peterborough in the FA Cup kept spirits high on Wearside and they will now be looking to go from strength to strength.

Wes Brown (groin), Titus Bramble (Achilles/calf) and Jack Colback (ankle) missed out against Posh but Michael Turner (knee) was back on the bench following a long lay-off.

Craig Gordon has also been making good progress in his recovery from a similar problem, while Fraizer Campbell is back in contention after a long-term knee injury of his own.

O'Neill could also be boosted by the return of striker Nicklas Bendtner from a more minor knee problem.

Possible starting XIs

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Terry, Luiz, Cole, Romeu, Ramires, Meireles, Mata, Sturridge, Torres.

Sunderland: Mignolet, Gardner, O'Shea, Kilgallon, Bardsley, Larsson, Richardson, Cattermole, Vaughan, McClean, Sessegnon.