Frank Lampard returned to the Chelsea starting line-up as manager Jose Mourinho attempted to keep the pressure on Barclays Premier League leaders Arsenal.
The England midfielder and Brazilian Willian replaced Michael Essien, who was named among the substitutes, and the injured Oscar at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet sprang something of a surprise when he dropped striker Steven Fletcher to the bench along with midfielder Sebastian Larsson, with Jozy Altidore getting the nod up front and Jack Colback returning in place of the Swede.
Sunderland: Mannone, Bardsley, Brown, O'Shea, Dossena, Ki, Giaccherini, Gardner, Colback, Borini, Altidore. Subs: Larsson, Fletcher, Johnson, Celustka, Pickford, Roberge, Cattermole.
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Ramires, Lampard, Willian, Mata, Hazard, Torres. Subs: Cole, Essien, Mikel, Schurrle, De Bruyne, Ba, Schwarzer.
