CHELSEA @ SUNDERLAND

Late calls in Chelsea’s spine

Xabi Alonso said Emiliano Martínez and Moisés Caicedo would be assessed after the final training session, leaving both as genuine availability questions rather than confirmed starters. ESPN’s team-news list, however, marks Martínez out, so check the confirmed XI before relying on his return.

Absences on both sides

ESPN lists Daniel Ballard, Habib Diarra, Romaine Mundle and suspended Omar Alderete out for Sunderland; Chelsea are without João Pedro, Reece James, Maxence Lacroix and Jorrel Hato, among others. Those absences could limit both coaches’ options, especially in defense and attack.

Sunderland need a response

Sunderland have lost five of their last six league games and have not won in the league since August. They also come off a 3-1 loss to Coventry and a 2-0 defeat by Dinamo Zagreb, after rotating six starters for the midweek match.

Chelsea get a full week to prepare

Chelsea had no midweek fixture after beating Manchester United 2-0, giving Alonso’s side extra preparation time before the trip to Wearside. A win would put them in position to rise to third, depending on Brighton’s result.

Pick Ideas

Angles drawn from the matchup analysis above and refreshed as the news changes. They are a separate read from the LineCrush pick for this matchup, so the two can land on different sides.

Chelsea moneyline

Chelsea are listed at +110 on ESPN, while Sunderland are +270; Chelsea’s 5-1-3 record against Sunderland’s 1-2-6 makes the away price worth considering. Recheck the market and confirmed team news before placing a bet.

Over 2.5 goals

The over is priced at -115, and Dimers’ model puts the chance of more than 2.5 goals at about 54%. The edge looks modest, so this is better treated as a small-stake option than a strong lean.

Cole Palmer anytime scorer

Palmer is listed at +180 to score anytime by ESPN, and ESPN’s preview reports three goals and three assists this season. Consider it only if he is named in the starting XI.