PREVIEW: Chelsea face exposers Sunderland again

There was something of the emperor's new clothes about Chelsea in the early part of the season as they opened up a five-point lead at the top of the table.

   That they faced an oddly imbalanced fixture list and were barely tested in the first quarter of the season was largely overlooked.

   Then they played Sunderland at home, lost 3-0 and all their flaws were suddenly exposed.

On Tuesday, Chelsea, still traumatised by that defeat, go to Wearside looking to take revenge on a side that used that result to leap to sixth.

   Chelsea's destroyer that Sunday was Danny Welbeck. He will be absent with a knee injury, but Sunderland could hand debuts to two new signings - Sulley Muntari and Stephane Sessegnon.

   Carlos Ancelotti's side has been strongly linked with a move for Liverpool's Spain forward Fernando Torres, but the manager insisted the bid was not "desperation."

   Leaders Manchester United face an Aston Villa side that has won its last three games.

   United defenders Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are both expected to be fit after being rested for Saturday's FA Cup win over Southampton to get over knocks, while Patrice Evra should return after an absence for a family bereavement.

   Arsenal will be without Samir Nasri, who has a hamstring injury, for their home game against Everton.

"I have some players who did not play who will be fresh, but we have only 48 hours," Wenger said after Sunday's FA Cup win over Huddersfield, although he admits he fears fatigue.

   Tuesday's other game is a key clash at the bottom as West Bromwich Albion, who have won only one of their last eight games, face Wigan Athletic.

   Wigan lie third bottom, but manager Roberto Martinez is confident his side will stay up.

"The fans know we are not far away," he said.

"You need a little bit of luck to trigger that confidence and allow the good things you're doing on the football pitch to be reflected in the scoreline.

   "I feel this season we are more consistent than we were last campaign, the squad is a lot stronger, and we know exactly what we have to do."

   Manchester City head to Birmingham City on Wednesday without Adam Johnson who has an ankle injury. Carlos Tevez should return after missing Sunday's 1-1 FA Cup draw against Notts County.

   Tottenham Hotspur head to Blackburn Rovers, Liverpool host Stoke City, West Ham United are at Blackpool, Wolverhampton Wanderers make the trip to Bolton Wanderers and Fulham take on Newcastle United.