Sunderland vs. Chelsea: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview

Fresh off a big victory over Champions League-seeking Southampton at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, Chelsea don't get much time to rest, as a midweek EPL contest with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light looms. 

Of course, a lack of adequate rest may be the only thing capable of holding Jose Mourinho's squad back. 

The Blues, who currently sit second on the table behind Arsenal with 27 points, have absolutely owned The Black Cats, who are bringing up the rear of the Premier with eight points through 13 matches.

Chelsea has won 16 of the last 17 EPL meetings between these two sides, as well as eight top-flight fixtures in a row at the Stadium of Light. 

Does Gus Poyet have any chance against his old team, or will Chelsea prevail as easily as expected?

Let's take a look. 

When: Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 2:45 p.m. ET; 7:45 p.m. GMT

Where: Stadium of Light, Sunderland

Watch: NBC Sports Network

Live Stream: NBC Sports Live Extra

Odds (via Sky Bet): Chelsea (8-15), Sunderland (5-1), Draw (3-1)

Top Storyline: The Loss of the Brazilian Duo

David Luiz is still being bothered by a knee injury, and Oscar left Sunday's match with an ankle problem. According to the Daily Mail, both will be out of Mourinho's lineup on Wednesday night. 

No matter who the opponent, playing without the Brazilian duo is a tough pill to swallow for Chelsea. 

Luiz has struggled to get healthy and make an impact in the EPL this season, but when he's at 100 percent, he is one of the best centre-backs in the world. The 22-year-old Oscar, meanwhile, has had no trouble making an impact this year. In 13 appearances, he has a team-leading five goals and a 7.28 average match rating, per WhoScored.com.

He has been one of the best players in England this season. 

Of course, that being said, Chelsea has terrific depth in the midfield with players like Eden Hazard, Frank Lampard and Juan Mata.

The latter, in particular, will be one to watch. The Spaniard, a year after tallying 12 goals and 12 assists in 31 Premier League appearances as one of the most dangerous players in the league, will likely get an opportunity to prove he belongs back in the lineup as a permanent fixture. 

Expect him to have a terrific night in Oscar's stead. 

Prediction: Sunderland 0, Chelsea 2

Chelsea simply have too many weapons. Being without Luiz and Oscar would debilitate most clubs, but the Blues won't skip many beats, especially against a Sunderland side that has struggled immensely this season. 

Poyet's squad, which beat Manchester City at home last month, shouldn't be overlooked, and when you consider the Blues have struggled a bit away from Stamford Bridge, netting just seven goals in six EPL road matches (for eight points), this one may be closer than many are expecting. 

But when it comes down to it, Chelsea is the better side and will get three points.