Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley has claimed that his side will go to Chelsea on Saturday without fear.
The Black Cats, who are currently tenth in the Premier League table, have experienced a resurgence under new manager Martin O'Neill.
Meanwhile, Chelsea find themselves 11 points off the top of the table after an indifferent debut season for coach Andre Villas-Boas.
"In the last few years Stamford Bridge is a place people have really feared," Bardsley told The Chronicle. "However, this season and towards the end of last year, I don't think they have been the team they were.
"They are still a massive team, big and strong, but we go there without any fear."
Sunderland beat the Blues 3-0 in last season's fixture at Stamford Bridge.
