Chelsea hope luck turns as Black Cats loom

Chelsea will step up preparations for Saturday’s showdown with fellow Barclays Premier League strugglers Sunderland amid a unified determination to kick-start their faltering campaign.

Following defeat at surprise leaders Leicester on Monday night, Jose Mourinho’s men are just one point above the relegation zone in 16th place. Should results go against them this weekend, they could end up in the bottom three for Christmas.