Ricky Sbragia has kept faith with the side that lost 3-1 at Porstmouth last Monday after Steed Malbranque passed a late fitness test.
Kenwyne Jones continues in his lone striker role with Kieran Richardson in an attacking central midfield role.
Djibril Cisse is on the bench ready to be called on if required.
Chelsea boss Guus Hiddinck has picked an almost full-strength side in his last league game in charge where Frank Lampard is the only surprise absentee. Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka both start in attack.
Sunderland (4-3-2-1): Fulop,Bardsley,Ferdinand,Davenport,Collins,Tainio,Whitehead (c),Leadbitter,Malbranque,Richardson,Jones
Subs: Colgan,McShane,Edwards,Reid,Murphy,Healy,Cisse
CHELSEA (4-3-3):Cech,Bosingwa,Ivanovic,Terry(c),Cole,Essien,Mikel,Belletti,Malouda,Drogba,Anelka
Subs: Hilaro,DiSanto,Ballack,Sinclair,Kalou,Mancienne,Stoch
** READ A FULL REPORT AND ANALYSIS OF TODAY'S GAME IN MONDAY'S NORTHERN ECHO **
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