Have no comment for Guardiola.
Black cats come into this last round with two points more than “first under the line”- Newcastle. Two way for them to stay in Premier: to win against Chelsea, or Newcastle doesn’t win against Aston Villa, on the road. Their recent performances don’t make the first option very possible. They have seven defeats from last nine league games! In the last game vs Portsmouth away, Sunderland had a chance to solve all the problems about avoiding relegation. They took a lead in 60th minute, but manage to concede three times till the end! Manager Ricky Sbraglia has an interesting explanation for their lack of results (told to bbc): "From our point of view, we have conceded too many and not scored enough!”. And that will be changed against Chelsea? Ok. Sunderland midfielder Steed Malbranque is a doubt after suffering a hip injury during Monday's defeat at Portsmouth. George McCartney (calf) is still short of match fitness, while Nyron Nosworthy (hamstring) and goalkeeper Craig Gordon (knee) will not be involved. Sunderland is in position where a draw doesn’t mean anything. So, one conceded goal in the first half can make the hosts give up from Chelsea and just listen the news from Villa Park.
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Since Guus Hiddink took a charge, Chelsea plays as born again. Attacking and efficient games, with tactically perfect play are the main characteristics of their recent performances. Improvement is more than obvious, and everybody (players, fans, management) would like to see him on the bench in the next season. But, he’ll keep his word and leave the club at the end. Before that, lads have to play this match and the FA Cup final at 30.5., against Everton. Hiddink admitted that he has one eye on the Wembley showpiece, but that it is unlikely he will rest many players this weekend. He’ll make some changes in team ‘cause danger of injuries, but underlined that he likes when his players are in a good rhythm. Michael Ballack is set to return for after missing their win over Bolton with flu. Ricardo Carvalho and Deco are also back in contention after recovering from hamstring problems. The accepted opinion is Chelsea doesn’t have a motive?! Chelsea plays without a real motive at last few months, but made a run of ten wins and a draw (Everton, home 0-0) in last eleven games! I don’t think the motivation will be the problem (trashing Arsenal, after disaster in Champions League, is a very good example), Hiddink will manage it. And one statistic info, Chelsea won last eight games against today’s opponent, conceding just twice and scoring 21!
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My opinion is once again completely different from bookies’, which is good, odds are more than acceptable. Sunderland isn’t capable to defeat Chelsea, and in situation where a draw doesn’t have a weight, players and attendance will focus on news from Birmingham. If they seriously come in this game (I think they will), Chelsea won’t have too much problem to win at Stadium of Light and wait a final in a good mood. Betfred offers 2.00, while Expekt, Pinnacle and the most of others 1.85. Away win.
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