Chelsea's recent run of form has been breathtaking, with their narrow weekend win over West Brom taking them to nine victories on the spin, moving them clear at the top of the table.

You have to go back to the end of September for the last time Chelsea failed to win a game, and that defeat came at the hands of title rivals Arsenal. Since then, Chelsea have scored 25 goals and conceded just two.

Tonight, the Blues have to travel north to face a resurgent Sunderland side who have managed to win three of their last four Premier League games to miraculously pull themselves away from what looked like certain relegation.

David Moyes has inspired the recent change in fortunes, and the former Everton manager will be hopeful of adding to their recent success as the Wearsiders face the unenviable task of taking points from Chelsea.

For Antonio Conte to secure a tenth straight victory, he must pick this starting XI at the Stadium of Light.

GK: Thibaut Courtois

The Belgian goalkeeper has never had life so easy, as Conte's defence continue to keep opposition attackers some distance away from his goal.

Nonetheless, against Sunderland Courtois faces the task of preventing the in-form Jermain Defoe from adding to his recent goals collection.

Another clean sheet for the Blues is more likely to come with Courtois in between the sticks.

CB: David Luiz

Let's face it; not many expected Luiz to have such a positive impact on this Chelsea side following his return from Paris Saint-Germain.

The Brazilian has been instrumental in recent weeks and managed to man-mark Sergio Aguero out of the contest against Manchester City just a fortnight ago.

Against Sunderland, Luiz must replicate his performance at the Etihad to prevent Defoe hurting Chelsea.

CB: Gary Cahill

The form of Gary Cahill has become something of a worry, but with Kurt Zouma not fully fit enough to return to first-team action, he should keep his place against Sunderland.

If there remains a weak link in the Chelsea armoury, Cahill is certainly it. Tonight, his silly mistakes must be kept to a minimum as the Blues hope to continue their nine-game winning streak.

CB: Cesar Azpilicueta

Defensively there's not a better full-back than Azpilicueta in the Premier League, and the Spaniard has shown his nous in his own third by moving into a back-three in recent months.

Azpilicueta will be tasked with ensuring the Blues remain compact at the back, especially when Cahill and Luiz go forward on set-pieces.

RWB: Victor Moses

At the moment, Moses is potentially the best player in the Premier League behind Diego Costa. The Nigerian has transformed his career under Conte, and against Sunderland, the makeshift wing-back will be hopeful of maintaining his form.

Moses has chipped in with some valuable goals already this season but defensively he must ensure Sunderland's chances are limited on the left-wing.

CM: N'Golo Kante

While Diego Costa continues to get all the plaudits, Chelsea's most valuable player could be Kante.

The French midfielder is enjoying life at Stamford Bridge and is emulating the success of Claude Makelele for the Blues.

Against Sunderland, Kante must ensure he overcomes the suspended Didier N'Dong's replacement, as the battle for supremacy in midfield could be crucial.

CM: Nemanja Matic

Matic is a must, as Sunderland's power in midfield may nullify an alternative like Cesc Fabregas.

The Serbian midfielder has already notched up seven assists this season, and another against the Wearsiders could prove a fundamental factor in the Blues coming away with three points.

LWB: Marcos Alonso

Spanish left-back Alonso returns to Sunderland for the first time since his loan expired in 2014.

Since then, Alonso has become one of the best defensive wing-backs in Europe and continues to impress due to his all-round ability.

Alonso has drastically improved since his time at the Stadium of Light.

RW: Pedro

Pedro remains one of the Blues' key components. The Spaniard found himself frozen out under Jose Mourinho before Conte restored the killer instinct in the former Barcelona winger.

Decisive goals, spectacular performances and valuable assists have guaranteed success for the Blues in recent weeks.

Another goal against a weak Sunderland defence may see even more plaudits for the Spanish international.

LW: Eden Hazard

The Belgian playmaker has overcome the troublesome season that occurred last season. Hazard's form can only be described as devastatingly brilliant as he continues to dazzle all around him.

his form has aided in the Blues' pursuit of a fifth Premier League title, and Sunderland are usually a kind opponent for the winger.

No doubt the Chelsea fans are hoping for more of the same from Hazard.

ST: Diego Costa

He's just too good. Costa's goals and overall contribution this season can only be described as staggering.

Indeed, his twelve Premier League goals in fifteen games have been an essential factor in Chelsea's success.

Regardless of the defence or the opposition, Costa looks set to score in every match. If Sunderland allow him space to shine, it could be a cricket score considering the Spaniard's recent form.