Blues a 'big test' of Black Cats' top-flight credentials

Sunderland, who have so far defied the odds after being tipped for an immediate return to the second-tier Championship to become the English Premier League's surprise package in the first two months of the season, will aim to continue their dream start at Chelsea on Oct 25.

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Regis le Bris's side have taken 14 points from their opening eight games to sit in seventh place, only one point behind champions Liverpool and level with Enzo Maresca's fifth-placed Chelsea.

When they were relegated in 2017 after finishing bottom with 24 points, Sunderland entered a downward spiral that saw them spend four seasons in the third tier of English football before returning to the Championship via the playoffs in 2022.

When former Lorient manager le Bris was hired before the start of last season, many Sunderland fans might have thought, “Regis who?”, but the 49-year-old’s appointment proved a masterstroke as he took them back to the top flight thanks to a dramatic promotion playoff final win over Sheffield United.