Chelsea vs Sunderland live: Latest score from Stamford Bridge as Branislav Ivanovic goal puts Blues ahead

Follow all the action from Stamford Bridge as it happens

Sam Long
Saturday 19 December 2015 14:17 GMT
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Hello and welcome to live coverage from Stamford Bridge as struggling Chelsea take on Sunderland.

The game, of course, is the first for the Blues since sacking Jose Mourinho, the most successful manager in the club's history.

The Blues are still without a manager as Guus Hiddink is yet to be announced, although he is expected to be in attendance. Coaches Steve Holland and Eddie Newton are expected to take charge

• Eden Hazard could be missing for the Blues after he injured his hip in the defeat at Leicester City

• Gary Cahill, Pedro and Baba Rahman all in contention to return to the starting XI

• Sam Allardyce will be without Lee Cattermole and Sebastian Larsson because of injuries

• Sebastian Coates a doubt having missed training with flu, but Younes Kaboul expected to be fit

• Chelsea beat Sunderland 3-1 on the final day of last season and have won 18 of their last 21 matches against them

• The Blues have won just one of their last seven

• Sunderland have lost each of their last two

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