The pressure is right back on Maurizio Sarri after Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat to Everton. The international break may have given the Italian some breathing room, but anything other than a win against Cardiff on Sunday will be unacceptable to Blues fans.

The Bluebirds have been inconsistent in recent games with wins against Southampton and West Ham sandwiching two comprehensive home defeats to Watford and Everton.

Neil Warnock’s side will be fresh following a two-week break and will put in a lot of effort this weekend so Chelsea will have to be sharp and alert to get the win.

In terms of injuries, the Blues have a few minor concerns. Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ethan Ampadu both have back problems, while reserve fullback Davide Zappacosta is still suffering from an ankle injury he picked up in the 5-0 win against Dynamo Kiev. Marco van Ginkel is still sidelined with a knee injury.

Cardiff will be without defensive stalwart Sol Bamba who has been ruled out for the season after rupturing his ACL against Wolves. Harry Arter (knock), Callum Paterson (ankle), Joe Bennett (hamstring) and Victor Camarasa (muscle) remain doubts for Sunday.

The bookmakers are backing Chelsea to get the three points. They are 4/9 at Ladbrokes with a draw best priced at 7/2 with Sky Bet. A Cardiff victory is 8/1 at Bet 365.

Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Face Cardiff:

Kepa, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Alonso, Kante, Jorginho, Barkley, Pedro, Higuain, Hazard

Cardiff’s Predicted XI:

Etheridge, Peltier, Manga, Morrison, Cunningham, Ralls, Camarasa, Gunnarsson, Murphy, Niasse, Hoilett

Predicted Score – 2-1 to Chelsea