Chelsea travel to the Stadium of Light on Sunday knowing that three points are crucial to maintaining their push for Champions League qualification.
With the international break approaching, Xabi Alonso's side will be eager to head into the break on a positive note and strengthen their position in the Premier League table. Sunderland, meanwhile, will be determined to make home advantage count and frustrate the visitors.
Building on the second half against Manchester United, Chelsea will need to be sharp in both boxes, with their attacking quality and defensive discipline likely to prove decisive. Here is how the Blues could line up.
Predicted XI
GK - Mike Penders
Taking a risk on Emi Martinez at this stage of his recovery could prove costly, especially with Penders showing enough quality and consistency to retain his place in goal. The more the Belgian plays, the more confident and assured he appears to become.
RB - Josh Acheampong
He is quickly becoming one of my favourite players and arguably the team's best defender. His performances have been consistently impressive, showing no fear in stepping forward to join the attack while remaining reliable and disciplined in his defensive duties.
CB - Wesley Fofana
Options are limited at centre back, and I can honestly say Aarón Anselmino isn't someone I know who can easily replace the Frenchman. Will put a Fofana mistake on the bingo card, though.
CB - Levi Colwill
He could become even more dependable given the main man role at centre-back, with Chelsea fans hoping he can rediscover the form he showed before his ACL injury.
LB - Pep Chavarria
Chavarría offers plenty of energy and commitment down the left flank, combining his attacking runs with a willingness to work hard defensively. His ability to support attacks while maintaining his defensive responsibilities makes him an important presence on the flank.
CM - Romeo Lavia
He was excellent in the win over Manchester United, demonstrating that he is capable of completing the full 90 minutes. He could be in line to start, with doubts surrounding Caicedo after he experienced discomfort in his calf.
CM - Jordan Henderson
Facing his hometown club will undoubtedly mean a lot to him and could provide extra motivation to deliver a standout performance, reminiscent of his Bournemouth days. Choosing him over former target Granit Xhaka could also prove to be an excellent decision.
RW - Estevao
This formation demands directness and attacking threat from the wings, qualities the Brazilian brings in abundance. Against a Sunderland side that likes to attack but has struggled for form, this could be the perfect opportunity for him to cause real damage.
AM - Cole Palmer
Could his omission from the England squad provide the motivation to deliver a standout performance in this game and make Tuchel regret leaving him out? He certainly has the ability to do just that.
LW - Pedro Neto
Neto brings plenty of pace, directness and attacking intent to the side. His ability to take on defenders and create opportunities makes him a constant threat, although greater consistency in his final ball and decision-making could take his game to another level.
ST - Morgan Rogers
The more comfortable he becomes in the false nine role, the more valuable an option he could prove to be when João Pedro and Danny Welbeck are struggling to deliver.
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