Malbranque worry for Black Cats

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has a major doubt over midfielder Steed Malbranque ahead of Tuesday night's Premier League clash with Chelsea.

Malbranque: Ankle problem
Malbranque: Ankle problem

The Frenchman twisted an ankle in Saturday's 1-0 win at Bolton and is rated at 50-50 at best, while Kieran Richardson is struggling with a dead leg suffered in the same game.

Andy Reid missed the trip to the Reebok Stadium with a thigh problem, but was expected to resume training today, while keeper Craig Gordon was on the bench at the weekend as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.

Summer signing Paulo da Silva is working his way back to full match fitness, while Paul McShane remains on the sidelines after knee surgery.

Black Cats (from): Fulop, Gordon, Carson, Bardsley, Ferdinand, Collins, Nosworthy, Da Silva, McCartney, Cana, Cattermole, Richardson, Reid, Malbranque, Leadbitter, Henderson, Tainio, Edwards, Bent, Jones, Campbell, Healy.

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Sunderland (13th) v Chelsea (1st)

Meetings since 2000
16/01/2010Chelsea7 - 2Sunderland
18/08/2009Sunderland1 - 3Chelsea
24/05/2009Sunderland2 - 3Chelsea
01/11/2008Chelsea5 - 0Sunderland
15/03/2008Sunderland0 - 1Chelsea
08/12/2007Chelsea2 - 0Sunderland
15/01/2006Sunderland1 - 2Chelsea
10/09/2005Chelsea2 - 0Sunderland
05/04/2003Sunderland1 - 2Chelsea
30/11/2002Chelsea3 - 0Sunderland
16/03/2002Chelsea4 - 0Sunderland
09/12/2001Sunderland0 - 0Chelsea
17/03/2001Chelsea 2 - 4Sunderland
14/10/2000Sunderland1 - 0Chelsea
 
Sunderland Last Six Games
09/02/2010Portsmouth1 - 1Sunderland
06/02/2010Sunderland1 - 1Wigan
01/02/2010Sunderland0 - 0Stoke
27/01/2010Everton2 - 0Sunderland
23/01/2010Portsmouth2 - 1Sunderland
16/01/2010Chelsea7 - 2Sunderland
 
Chelsea Last Six Games
07/02/2010Chelsea2 - 0Arsenal
02/02/2010Hull1 - 1Chelsea
30/01/2010Burnley1 - 2Chelsea
27/01/2010Chelsea3 - 0Birmingham
23/01/2010Preston0 - 2Chelsea
16/01/2010Chelsea7 - 2Sunderland
 
This Season's Home & Away Record
 Home  Away 
  W D L   W D L  
Sunderland 5 5 2   1 3 9  
Chelsea 12 1 0   6 3 3  




Team News:

geordie8468 : "...Bad result for us today! IMO (like i've said for a couple weeks) the problem is cattermole and cana in the middle. We can't have two defensive holding midfielders in the middle of the park unless he plays 5 in midfield. ..."   view full comment

Paper Talk: Hughes' Turkish delight

Mark Hughes is on the shortlist to become Turkey's new coach, while Kieron Dyer's West Ham nightmare will cost them close to £30million.

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WC Famous Five - Rob Mullarkey

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reza78 (Manchester United) : "...Manchester United will sell Vidic to Real Madrid in the summer with Karim Benzema coming to Old Trafford. Smalling will be the new star defender! Also, Frank Ribery will join Real and David Silva to United. ..."   view full rumour

   

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