They have started life in their 17th top-flight campaign since 1992 well - like us taking 14 points from the opening eight games of the campaign. It will be a tough challenge on Saturday afternoon.

We first played Sunderland in the Premier League in 1996/97, recording a memorable 6-2 victory at Stamford Bridge.

Since then, there have been goals, performances and top-flight title celebrations that will live long in the memory. Here we bring you the top five…

Gus Poyet’s scissor kick

Chelsea 4-0 Sunderland
7 August 1999

The sun was shining at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea, tipped for the title by some, started the new season in style by sinking newly-promoted Sunderland.

Gus Poyet, Gianfranco Zola and Tore Andre Flo had already given us an unassailable lead when Poyet bagged the goal of the game.

Zola scooped the ball over the Mackems’ defence and into the path of Poyet, who expertly scissor-kicked his volley into the top corner. In creation and execution, it was simply sublime.

Ashley Cole’s Goal of the Season

Chelsea 7-2 Sunderland
16 January 2010

In a season full of goals, Ashley Cole’s against Sunderland at the turn of the year was voted by supporters as the best, and it was easy to see why.

From inside his own half, John Terry put a lofted first-time pass into the path of the marauding left-back. Running at full tilt didn’t stop Cole bringing the ball under his spell with an immaculate first touch.

As Sunderland skipper Lorik Cana slid across to block the shot, Cole calmly cut the ball inside him before using the outside of his left boot to find the far corner.

Eden Hazard’s masterclass

Sunderland 3-4 Chelsea
4 December 2013

Singling out one Eden Hazard performance for Chelsea is no easy task, but his display at the Stadium of Light in December 2013 arguably stands above the rest.

After providing an assist for Frank Lampard, Hazard netted two individual goals of the highest quality to help us to a 4-3 win.

His second goal, again after combining with Lampard, was particularly magical. He instinctively and ecstatically ripped off his shirt in celebration, a sure sign even the cool Belgian was impressed by his masterclass on Wearside.

Premier League trophy lift

Chelsea 3-1 Sunderland
24 May 2015

Both of our most recent Premier League trophy lifts have come after final-day victories over Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.

The first was in May 2015, when a penalty from Diego Costa and a Loic Remy brace secured a 3-1 success after we had gone behind early.

One of the many highlights that day was the sight of Didier Drogba being carried off the pitch by his team-mates after his final Chelsea appearance. History would repeat itself two years later…

Premier League trophy lift (again!)

Chelsea 5-1 Sunderland
May 21 2017

On that occasion, it was John Terry who was celebrated off the Stamford Bridge turf 26 minutes into his final game, which would prove a resounding victory over the relegated Black Cats.

Again, we went behind. Again, we hit back in style. Willian levelled with an angle finish before goals from Eden Hazard and Pedro, two of the stars of the season, had us in control as the contest drew to a close.

Michy Batshuayi, whose goal at West Brom a week earlier secured the title, added a late double as the celebrations started in earnest once more.