Chelsea come into this clash in a strong run of form, having won three of their last four league matches, and it finished 2-0 against Man United last time out. The Blues have had a full week to rest and prepare for this fixture against Sunderland, which gives them another advantage. There were 15 corners in their game against Man United last weekend, with Chelsea accounting for eight of those, meaning they are averaging 5.8 corners per game across all competitions.

Interestingly, that figure actually rises to 6.2 when playing away, where they have landed this selection in each of their last three games on the road.

Xabi Alonso likes his side to play with width, but they have left themselves a bit exposed in midfield at times. Chelsea are averaging exactly 2.0 cards per game in the league this season, rising to 2.75 when playing away where this selection has landed in three of their four games.

Sunderland haven’t been in the best form, but they are still averaging an eye-catching 14.3 fouls drawn per game this season. For context, only Arsenal and Man City have suffered more infringements than the Black Cats. Six of their last eight Premier League opponents have hit this mark, including Arsenal and Bournemouth.

Cole Palmer isn’t the first name who comes to mind when thinking of fouls, but his numbers this season have been impressive. Palmer was sent off against Spurs for two bookable offences, and he already had two yellow cards to his name prior to that sending off.

Palmer has accrued a total of 11 infringements this season, which is more than any other player in the Chelsea squad. He has landed this selection in seven of his nine starts overall, including the last five in a row, which makes this price stand out. Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki have combined for 3.3 fouls drawn per 90 in the league this season, and they should find duels against Palmer here.

Enzo Le Fee is another Sunderland player who has been adept at drawing contact, and he is averaging 1.96 fouls drawn per 90 in the league. The Frenchman has landed this bet in five of his nine league games this term, and this matchup against Chelsea is a favourable one to improve that hit-rate.

Chelsea are likely to dominate possession at the Stadium of Light, but Le Fee is the type of player who can get out of high-pressure situations. He likes having the ball at his feet, and is adept when it comes to beating opposing players - he is perhaps the most press-resistant player for Sunderland, and Le Fee was fouled three times against Man City back in December.

Morgan Rogers has been Chelsea’s most effective player in the final third this season, and he already has five league goals to his name. Rogers scored a wonderful solo goal against Man United last weekend to give his side the lead, and he should come into this clash full of confidence.

The 24-year-old is averaging 2.38 shots per 90 in the league this season, and exactly a third of his efforts have hit the target. Sunderland have conceded 14 goals in their last six league matches, which shows how they haven’t been watertight at the back, so Rogers should be able to find chances in the final third.