Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has claimed that his side will have to overcome a difficult mental challenge if they are to shock Chelsea on Saturday.

The Black Cats were the last team to beat Chelsea in the Premier League in April and they also managed to knock Jose Mourinho's side out of last season's Capital One Cup, and Poyet is urging his side not to fear the leaders.

"I would not expect to be looking to beat them for a third time in a row," the Uruguayan told reporters. "They are better than us technically and physically and are the Premier League's outstanding team this season.

"To have a good game against them, we need to be strong mentally.

"If we can't cope with the mental side and go into the game with an inferiority complex, we have no chance."

Sunderland are currently 14th, three points clear of the relegation zone.

Written by
Callum Mulvihill