Guiu pushing to start in Sunderland test

All of a sudden, the picture at Chelsea is much rosier - but manager Enzo Maresca views Sunderland as a major test.

Four wins in a row in all competitions have changed the conversation, however, the Italian was speaking about the Black Cats' quality and physicality as soon as the 5-1 win at home to Ajax was secured on Wednesday.

Yet, such was the Blues' dominance against the 10-man Dutch side in the Champions League, they also began resting players as early as the half-time interval and they will be in good shape for this match.

Chelsea and Sunderland are level on 14 points, but the west London club's superior goal difference has them fifth above Regis le Bris' side in seventh.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old striker Marc Guiu is pushing to start the match after scoring against Ajax, having had his loan at the Stadium of Light cut short after just three matches due to Chelsea's shortage of options up front.