Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Sunderland: Palmer leads the attack as Estevao takes a central role

Football London predicts Chelsea will make one change to their lineup against Sunderland, with P. Chavarria returning to the back line and Pedro Neto moving to his wide position. The predicted lineup has Mike Penders in goal, with Chavarria, Levi Colwill, Josh Acheampong and Wesley Fofana ahead of him.

The prediction places Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo in midfield, with Cole Palmer leading the attack as a false nine. Estevao Willian is set to play in a central role behind him, alongside Morgan Rogers and Neto. However, Caicedo’s involvement depends on him passing a late fitness test.

The report’s expectation that Penders will continue is based on his performances during Emiliano Martinez’s absence. Martinez has returned to training after surgery on his broken jaw. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said Martinez had been training in a mask for most of the week and that doctors had cleared him to return after his concussion, but he was adjusting to wearing it.

Alonso described Sunderland as a difficult opponent, noting that the league table can change quickly and that his team is focused on continuing to win and progressing step by step. The match will be played at the Stadium of Light, according to the report.