Big guns come back for Chelsea

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho turned to his big guns once again as he attempted to establish a 16-point Premiership lead over second-placed Manchester United.

Only three of the men who started last weekend’s 2-1 FA Cup third round victory over Huddersfield were retained with Petr Cech, Asier Del Horno, John Terry, William Gallas, Claude Makelele, Frank Lampard, Arjen Robben and Hernan Crespo earning recalls.

By contrast, Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy stuck with the bulk of the side which eased past non-league Norhwich Victoria with skipper Gary Breen and Steve Caldwell, who were both suspended last Sunday, returning in place of Alan Stubbs and Neill Collins.

The sides kicked off with 52 points separating the league leaders from the favourites for relegation and the Black Cats being quoted at unprecedented odds of 16-1 to claim a first league win of the season at the Stadium of Light.