After deciding the title race last week, Chelsea are set to play a key role in Premier League’s relegation battle this season. The Blues travel to Stadium of Light to take on Sunderland, who are in a three-way fight with Newcastle United and Norwich to avoid relegation.
For Guss Hiddink’s team it is all about finishing the season on a high while points are of premium for The Black Cats. Ahead of this pulsating match-up, we take a look at the three key questions which ought to be answered this weekend when Chelsea take on Sunderland.
Kids vs experience dilemma for Hiddink
Even though Chelsea have nothing to play for this season, they need to end the season on a high. A constant criticism for Chelsea is their reluctance of fielding youth. While they have got considerable number of talented players at their academy, we have seen very few break in the starting XI.
Guus Hiddink has done his bit by handing out game time to Kenedy, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Bertrand Traore this season. However, to put points on the table, those young stars have been forced to sit on the bench.
This weekend will be another test for Hiddink as he will have to choose between an opportunity for the kids and the pressure of winning the game against Sunderland. We will have to wait and see what choice Hiddink makes.
Can Defoe keep his run going?
Jermaine Defoe has done his reputation of being a prolific goal scorer no harm after scoring crucial goals for Sunderland this season. Defoe has netted 14 league goals this season and it will be once again down to him to rescue vital points for his team against Chelsea.
Defoe has forged an impressive partnership with Fabio Borini, who has a history of scoring crucial goals against Chelsea and ensuring Sunderland’s Premier League survival. They will need to do be at their best this weekend to fend off a more than capable Chelsea side.
Will Hazard continue his good form?
Eden Hazard has been in the headlines all this week after his back-to-back impressive performances for Chelsea. The Belgian has pledged his future to The Blues and looks like the player we saw last season.
His form will be vital for Belgium at the Euro 2016 and certainly for Antonio Conte’s plans for Chelsea next season. Hiddink kept Hazard on the bench against Spurs bu he might want to unleash him against Sunderland this weekend.
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