Previews

Chelsea back in league action

Author: Sir David Smith
Date: 18/08/2009
Football betting

Three of the Premier League's opening weekend winners are back in action again on Tuesday evening.

In a busy start to the season, Chelsea, Sunderland, Wigan Athletic and Wolves all play their second games of the campaign - despite it being just 96 hours old.

Online betting favourites Chelsea travel north to Wearside to take on Sunderland while Wigan entertain last season's Championship winners Wolves.

Sunderland v Chelsea

Steve Bruce's Black Cats are looking to maintain their encouraging start to the season following Saturday's single goal victory at Bolton Wanderers courtesy of a debut strike from £10million striker Darren Bent.

New summer signings Lorik Cana and Lee Cattermole impressed on their competitive debuts in the inspiring opening day success.

The Stadium of Light-based club are rumoured to be finalising a deal with Rennes centre-half John Mensah ahead of the clash with the FA Cup holders.

However, creative midfielders Steed Malbranque and Kieran Richardson are both injury doubts after picking up knocks at Bolton.

Can Sunderland upset Chelsea at the Stadium of Light? - Latest Football Betting

Carlo Ancelotti's men were lucky to overcome plucky Hull City on Saturday in the Premier League's early first day fixture.

They had Didier Drogba to thank after the Ivorian equalised with a free-kick after hate Chelsea hate figure Stephen Hunt opened the scoring.

Then in injury time, Drogba's left-footed chip to the back post looped over the unlucky Boaz Myhill and into the top corner to land all three points for Ancelotti on his competitive debut in English football.

Chelsea will be without several players for the clash in the north east with Paulo Ferreira and Joe Cole (both knee ligament) still missing.

The game will come too early for Juliano Belletti (Achilles), Alex (groin) and £18million summer signing Yuri Zhirkov (knee).

Wigan v Wolves

New Wigan manager Roberto Martinez enjoyed a Premier League debut at the helm of the club he once played for with a sensational 2-0 victory at Aston Villa.

A fantastic goal from Hugo Rodallega set them on their way and Jason Koumas added a second to wrap things up.

The Latics are still without Olivier Kapo (knee) and Martinez could opt for the same starting XI that were so impressive at the weekend.

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy will be looking to instil some confidence in his Championship-winning outfit after a disappointing 2-0 loss at home to West Ham United on the opening day.

With new signings Ronald Zubar, Michael Mancienne and Nenad Milijas to call upon, the former Republic of Ireland boss will feel he has enough quality in his squad to get a result in the north west.

Wolves have a few injury problems with Christophe Berra (hamstring), Kevin Doyle (groin), Michael Kightly and Chris Iwelumo (both foot) all likely to remain on the sidelines.

BET NOW