Sunderland
Vs
Chelsea
Tuesday 18th August 2009
Venue: Stadium of Light
Kick-off: 19:45
Bruce worry over Malbranque
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has a major doubt over midfielder Steed Malbranque ahead of the Premier League clash with Chelsea.
The Frenchman twisted an ankle in Saturday's 1-0 win at Bolton and is rated at 50-50 at best, while Kieran Richardson is struggling with a dead leg suffered in the same game.
Andy Reid missed the trip to the Reebok Stadium with a thigh problem, but was expected to resume training today, while keeper Craig Gordon was on the bench at the weekend as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.
Summer signing Paulo da Silva is working his way back to full match fitness, while Paul McShane remains on the sidelines after knee surgery.
Bruce has warned England captain John Terry he will have his hands full with Darren Bent and Kenwyne Jones.
The 48-year-old sent out his new-look strike-force for the first time at Bolton on Saturday and reaped an early reward for his #10million investment in Bent as the 25-year-old marked his competitive debut for the Black Cats with the winning goal.
But perhaps even more satisfying was the way the former Tottenham man linked up with Jones, who clearly relished his team-mate's contribution after enduring a difficult last campaign alongside Frenchman Djibril Cisse.
Bruce, an accomplished centre-half during his own distinguished playing days, admitted he would not have liked to play against the pair, and promised Terry and his defensive colleagues a difficult visit to the Stadium of Light.
He said: "I don't think they were ever that big when I played - they seem to get bigger now.
"They didn't breed them like that when I was playing, thankfully. Potentially, they have got the makings of a very, very good pair.
"When they are at it, the pair of them, I wouldn't like to play against them. They are a handful for anybody, that's for sure, so I hope that continues."
Chelsea are likely to be without new signing Yuri Zhirkov trip.
Zhirkov is still struggling with a knee injury while full-back Juliano Belletti (Achilles) and defender Alex (groin) are also expected to miss out.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti is pleased with the response from his squad to his tactical changes and the way they are getting used to his diamond system. Their quality has prevented him from adding a `marquee signing' to his squad as yet.
The Italian remains adamant that unless a top player becomes available at the right price, the current squad has enough ability to be successful this season.
"I have seen them playing in the system we want to use and I have options with so many great players to choose from," said Ancelotti.
"We have not had to spend lots and bring in many new players because we are happy with our squad."
