Team News: Cesc Fabregas returns for Chelsea

Cesc Fabregas has returned to the starting lineup against Sunderland in Chelsea's first match without Jose Mourinho.

The Spaniard is preferred to Ramires in the midfield of a starting XI that sees only one other change as Pedro comes in for the injured Eden Hazard.

Guus Hiddink, who was appointed as the Blues' interim manager earlier this afternoon, will watch his new side from the stands as coaches Steve Holland and Eddie Newton direct proceedings from the touchline.

For Sam Allardyce's visiting Black Cats, there are two changes as Jack Rodwell and Jermain Defoe come in for Fabio Borini and striker Steven Fletcher respectively.

Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Willian, Oscar, Pedro; Diego Costa Subs: Begovic, Cahill, Baba Rahman, Mikel, Ramires, Traore, Remy

Sunderland: Pantillimon; Jones, Coates, O'Shea, Kaboul, Van Aanholt; Toivonen, Rodwell, M'Vila, Watmore; Defoe Subs: Mannone, Yedlin, Gomez, Johnson, Graham, Borini, Fletcher

Watch what the Sports Mole Sofa had to say about this encounter below:

Follow live text coverage of this afternoon's game at Stamford Bridge here.