Sunderland vs Chelsea: Morgan Rogers could punish struggling Black Cats’ defensive woes at 3/1

Chelsea travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon looking to take advantage of a Sunderland side struggling badly for form and confidence.

The Black Cats have managed just one win in their last nine matches across all competitions, with Thursday's disappointing 2-0 Europa League defeat to Dinamo Zagreb adding to the pressure on manager Regis Le Bris.

With the north-east side also dealing with defensive absences, Xabi Alonso's attacking options should have opportunities to cause problems. Morgan Rogers, in particular, looks worth considering in the goalscoring markets.

Back Morgan Rogers to punish Sunderland's defensive problems

Sunderland's recent performances have exposed the defensive issues that Le Bris openly acknowledged before the defeat to Dinamo Zagreb.

The hosts have conceded twice in each of their last two matches and could be without several important defensive players on Saturday. Dan Ballard is ruled out through injury, Omar Alderete is suspended, and Nordi Mukiele is a small doubt.

That is far from ideal against a Chelsea side boasting plenty of attacking quality, particularly with Rogers potentially being asked to operate in a central false-nine role in the absence of Joao Pedro.

The England international has been in excellent form, scoring twice in as many appearances before the international break, and registering six goals across his 11 starts in all competitions this season.

Rogers has averaged 2.62 shots per 90 minutes this campaign, managing at least two attempts in all but two of his 11 starts. His average of 0.81 shots on target per 90 is less impressive, although he has frequently operated in wider positions rather than through the middle.

A more central role could give him additional opportunities to get into dangerous goalscoring positions, particularly against a Sunderland defence missing key personnel.

The Black Cats have faced an average of 12.47 shots per match this season, below the overall league average, but their 29 shots conceded against AFC Bournemouth three weeks ago demonstrated how vulnerable they can be when facing a dangerous attacking side.

Given Sunderland's poor form and defensive absences, Rogers has a good opportunity to continue his recent goalscoring run.

Sunderland vs Chelsea best bets

Morgan Rogers to score – 21/10 (3.10) with Ladbrokes and Coral

Rogers has scored twice in his last two matches and has six goals in 11 starts across all competitions this season. With the possibility of a central attacking role against a depleted Sunderland defence, 21/10 looks an appealing price.

Morgan Rogers to score and have over 2.5 shots – 3/1 (4.00) with bet365

Rogers is averaging 2.62 shots per 90 minutes and has managed at least two attempts in nine of his 11 starts. If he gets the opportunity to lead the line, he should have plenty of chances to test Sunderland's defence, while his recent goalscoring form adds further appeal to this combination.