Marc Guiu could come back to haunt Sunderland as Enzo Maresca conversation comes to light

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Sunderland face arguably their toughest test of the season this weekend when they take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, and they’ll be praying Marc Guiu doesn’t land a killer blow against his former club.

Admittedly, Guiu did not spend long at Sunderland. He joined the Black Cats this summer on loan, but Chelsea quickly recalled the young Spaniard when Liam Delap suffered an injury.

At the time, the signing of Guiu was seen as a coup for Sunderland. The player himself clearly enjoyed his short spell on Wearside, too, having bid an emotional farewell to the fans when he returned to Chelsea.

Due to intense competition for places, though, Guiu was barely getting a look-in under Enzo Maresca. Now, ahead of the clash with Sunderland, that situation appears to have changed.

• READ MORE: Enzo Maresca reveals what Chelsea were ‘sloppy’ at, sparking triple substitution vs Forest

Marc Guiu has forced his way into contention at Chelsea

A report from The Athletic reveals details of Guiu’s latest conversation with Maresca, in which the teenager has apparently approached the Chelsea manager in a respectful and polite way to ask about his playing time.

Just a month ago, we revealed that the plan for Guiu at Chelsea was that he could play an important role for the Blues across the campaign.

That’s all coming to fruition now, slowly but surely, with the 19-year-old asking his manager what he needs to do to get more minutes. It’s thought Maresca told Guiu that if he continues to train hard, he will get a chance.

Guiu was rewarded with a 16-minute cameo in the win over Liverpool, before getting more game time against Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

Now, with Joao Pedro criticised for his showing in that game, there’s a good chance Guiu could get the nod from the start against Sunderland.

• READ MORE: Chelsea fans all have the same reaction to Morgan Rogers Aston Villa contract update

Can Sunderland get a result at Stamford Bridge?

The Black Cats have started the season in impressive form and upset the apple cart, as it were. Right now, it looks like Sunderland can defy the odds and stay up this season.

Only goal difference separates Sunderland and Chelsea as things stand, but going to Stamford Bridge will be a really stern test for Regis Le Bris’ side.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
4	BournemouthBournemouth	8	4	3	1	14	11	3	15
5	ChelseaChelsea	8	4	2	2	16	9	7	14
6	TottenhamTottenham	8	4	2	2	14	7	7	14
7	SunderlandSunderland	8	4	2	2	9	6	3	14
8	Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace	8	3	4	1	12	8	4	13
9	Manchester UnitedManchester United	8	4	1	3	11	12	-1	13
10	BrightonBrighton	8	3	3	2	12	11	1	12

History is not in their favour, either. Of 16 meetings at Stamford Bridge between these two sides, Chelsea have won 13, and there has never been a draw there, either.

So, it would seem it’s all or nothing for Sunderland on Saturday. Win there, and we’ll need to have a real conversation about just how far the Mackems can go this season. But, in many ways, with no one really expecting them to get a result, it’s a bit of a free hit for Le Bris and his players, where they can play with freedom.

Either way, we expect this to be a cracking game between two in-form teams who love to attack.