Blues make massive changes against high-flying Black Cats, while injured Reds try to avoid Bees' sting

Chelsea return to Stamford Bridge this afternoon chasing a fifth consecutive victory (5 pm), with Enzo Maresca's side hoping to keep their hot streak alive against surprise high-flyers Sunderland.

Both teams sit level on points heading into matchday eight, each eyeing a place in the top four by the end of the weekend. Wednesday's demolition of Ajax made it five straight wins in all competitions for the Blues, and Maresca is eager to see momentum build.

But the Italian coach plans another major rotation. After making ten changes in midweek, Maresca is expected to reshuffle again - Robert Sanchez returns in goal, Reece James back at right-back after suspension kept Malo Gusto out, while 19-year-old Josh Acheampong looks set to continue his rise in central defence alongside Trevoh Chalobah.

Marc Cucurella should also reclaim his place on the left after being rested against Ajax.

In midfield, Moises Caicedo returns to his natural role after filling in at right-back, while Enzo Fernandez is set to start. Injury-prone Romeo Lavia could be given a breather, with Maresca cautious not to overload the Belgian so early in his comeback.

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Meanwhile, on Merseyside, Liverpool's optimism after their 5-1 win at Eintracht Frankfurt has been dampened by a new injury crisis.

Head coach Arne Slot confirmed that Jeremie Frimpong faces a "prolonged" spell out with another hamstring problem, while both Alexander Isak and Ryan Gravenberch are major doubts for Saturday's trip to Brentford (10 pm).

"Jeremie's not in a good place. Definitely not today, tomorrow, or next week," Slot admitted. "Alex - not too bad, but still a question mark for the weekend."

Frimpong limped off after just 19 minutes in Germany, while Isak complained of groin pain at half-time and was immediately substituted. Gravenberch, who missed the midweek game with an ankle injury, remains under assessment.

So while Chelsea look to extend their rise, Liverpool's momentum could once again be tested by the one opponent they can't seem to beat - injury.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 9

Friday

Leeds - West Ham 2-1 (1-0)

/Aaronson 13, Rondon 15 - Fernandes 90/

Saturday

17.00: (1.40) Chelsea (4.60) Sunderland (8.00)

17.00: (1.65) Newcastle (3.70) Fulham (5.60)

19.30: (2.00) Manchester Utd. (3.50) Brighton (3.70)

22.00: (4.20) Brentford (4.30) Liverpool (1.75)

Sunday

17.00: (1.42) Arsenal (4.50) Crystal Palace (7.75)

17.00: (4.40) Aston Villa (3.50) Manchester City (1.85)

17.00: (1.75) Bournemouth (3.90) Nottingham Forest (4.50)

17.00: (2.00) Wolverhampton (3.35) Burnley (4.00)

19.30: (2.40) Everton (3.35) Tottenham (2.95)

***odds are subject to change***